Trust is a critical component of effective teamwork – especially in these times where some team members work in the office, others work from home, and others work remotely at the Starbucks down the corner! The very nature of teams begs each individual team member to trust each other to accomplish the team’s task. Team members must be able to rely on and respect each other – regardless of their location.
Trust is not bestowed on people; individuals must earn the team’s trust. Trust is developed over time as the relationships between team members continue to strengthen. Unfortunately, trust can be betrayed when agreements are broken. Keep the following in mind as you build trust within your team:
How to Build Trust with Your Team
Be Honest. Be truthful. Don’t play games. If you don’t know, aren’t sure, or can’t say, just tell the team the truth.
Have Integrity. Do what you say you will do. Your teammates are depending on you, so follow through on your commitments. Don’t make a promise you can’t keep. And if you can’t keep the promise, let the team know as soon as humanly possible.
Be Consistent in what you say and do. Be dependable all of the time, not just some of the time.
Share Information. Knowledge is power, and shared knowledge makes the collective team powerful. No one likes to be a mushroom, so don’t keep your teammates in the dark.
Manage Conflicts. Rather than avoid conflict, take the time and consideration to work through conflicts and maintain the relationships with your teammates.
Avoid the Four Deadly Sins to Teamwork: Talking at rather than with your team members, talking about other people, talking around them, whining, and let’s add avoiding them altogether to the list!
Accept Inevitable Mistakes. No one is perfect. Everyone makes a mistake (or two). Recognize that each person is doing their best and accept the inevitable mistake. Offer support, encouragement, and help the next time.
Trust is a two-way street. The best way to earn trust from others is to trust them first!
For more information about elevating your team results, processes and relationships, contact master facilitator, Kristin Arnold at 800.589.4733.
KRISTIN ARNOLD, MBA, CPF | Master, CSP is a high-stakes meeting facilitator and professional panel moderator. She’s been facilitating teams of executives and managers in making better decisions and achieving greater results for over 27 years. She is the author of the award-winning book, Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve and Inspire Audiences to Action. Her latest book, 123 Ways to Add Pizazz to a Panel Discussion was published in January 2021.
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