As organizations become more global in scope and more complex in nature, establishing a culture of trust and high workplace civility are becoming more important. As leaders and managers in organizations it is important that we embody, build on and emulate competencies and characteristics necessary for fostering a work environment of high trust and civility. This opening plenary session will focus on emerging leadership trends, competencies and the factors that strengthen trust at organizational level. Leadership trends will be taken from a pilot project conducted in 2018 inviting leaders and managers from different African countries to share their leadership challenges, trends and tips.

1. 10 Trust Criteria*
Swift Trust Criteria
1 Competence Do you believe that I am competent? That I have the knowledge, skills,
expertise and authority in a given field or topic area? Do you feel I am
competent to occupy the role I am in?
2 Openness with
information
Do you feel that I share important information proactively, openly and
clearly with you and others?
3 Integrity Do I keep my word? Do I do what I said I would do? And if for some
reason I don’t manage, do I let you know well in advance? Do I live by
my own values?
4 Reciprocity Do you feel that I am trusting and cooperative towards you? Trust
flows two ways. We cannot expect people to trust us if we are not
willing to extend the same cooperation and trust toward them.
Deep Trust Criteria
5 Compatibility Do we share a common background? Do our values, interests,
approaches, objectives align?
6 Goodwill Do you feel I am concerned for your overall welfare? Do I take the time
to get to know you and understand what is important to you?
7 Predictability Do you see me as being consistent, over time and in multiple
situations and context?
8 Wellbeing Do you feel you have nothing to fear from me? It is difficult for you to
trust me if you are afraid of me or if you feel I will seek to blame you
when things go wrong.
9 Inclusion Do you feel I actively and adequately include you in work activities,
decision making process and discussions?
10 Accessibility Do you sense I am sharing my true feelings, being authentic and can
you relate to me on a personal level? Do you see me as approachable?
*Adapted from Building Trust in Diverse Teams: The toolkit for emergency response. Emergency Capacity
Building Project, 2007.