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No one exists in a vacuum, especially not in the business world. The rise up to a management position requires networking, mentoring, and coworkers helping along the way. When you reach upper management, you need a mentor on your side even more. You’re dealing with pressure and situations that you don’t encounter before you reach this level in the corporation, so getting a mentor who has years of experience in this environment is essential. Take your time choosing a mentor, however. You want someone you can easily communicate with, who is a natural teacher, and who can take your input, suggestions, and preferences into consideration for your mentorship. Once you’ve found the perfect mentor, you need to know how to apply their tips to improve your leadership abilities.

A lack of trust between employees and employers can have disastrous effects for a company. Employees are more likely to feel apathetic about their jobs and feel less incentive to work harder and contribute to the success of a company. Earning the trust of your employees is one of the most important parts of your job and is an integral part of being a great leader. It’s incredibly difficult to motivate your employees and maintain their respect without trust.

Here are 5 ways that can help you gain trust as an employer.

1. Interact with your employees often
One of the biggest reasons that employees don’t develop trust is that they don’t have a chance to! If managers work in a closed office or at a different site, they can come across as aloof and inaccessible. This type of relationship does not foster good feelings and trust amongst employees. Even if you are busy, make it a point to communicate with your employees and be approachable.

Physical therapy following shoulder surgery and back issues gave me a new appreciation for “core strength.” Physiologically, core strength is primarily a function of our abdominal and lower back muscles, pelvis and diaphragm working together to provide support, balance and power when we need it. Core strength isn’t as readily visible as the muscles on “muscle beach;” we notice it more in its absence. Core strength is a large part of power generated in the martial arts; it strengthens our backbone, contributes to a healthy upright posture, and is necessary for dynamic sports. Yoga and isometric exercises are particularly beneficial for developing core strength.

Our new house has a breakfast bar just after you walk in the front door, tempting you to drop anything you’re carrying as you enter the house. This area is quick to collect keys, magazines and toys, making it an eye sore to anyone walking in the door. It quickly became my mission to keep that counter clear.

It doesn’t sound too difficult since only two people in the house leave things there, yet for months; I failed to keep it clean.

I did all the right things. I articulated a positive end state, we agreed upon the benefits of it, and we committed to our new behaviors. I’m not saying I launched a full corporate change program at home, bit I tried hard. And I don’t want to brag or anything, but I’m a guy who does behavioral change for a living.

Did I mention that I failed — miserably?

Summer is officially here. Obviously for children this brings much excitement. But even many adults look forward to the warmer days and the many barbecues, vacations, pool days and camping trips that take place.

And then there are the people who only look at summer as an inconvenience, such as the frustration of not being able to wear a business suit all day without sweating into it. Summer means nothing to them.

That’s fine and all, not everyone has to like summer. But if you fall in that category, it might not be just summer itself that you’re not a fan of, perhaps it’s difficult for you to break away from work. Even on the weekends.