When we engage with corporate teams, we end up getting different kinds of briefs and expectations from the clients. It generally surrounds the topic of building better teams, building collaboration, improving communication within a team, and creating a culture of taking ownership.
While these are some essential ingredients for growth, the most crucial item in the recipe is building trust. Often, the real reason behind disharmony is a “lack of trust.” So I am sharing some thoughts on the subject.
Trust is the foundation of any great team. Without trust, team members are less likely to share ideas, collaborate effectively, or take risks. Trust is what allows teams to work together seamlessly to achieve common goals and to support each other in difficult times.
But it is not only the responsibility of the employees. The genesis of trust is in the leadership teams. Trust starts with strong leadership. A leader who is trustworthy, reliable, and ethical sets the tone for the entire team. Team members are more likely to trust one another when they see that the leader trusts them. A leader who leads by example and encourages open communication also fosters trust among team members. Once they feel trusted, it gets easier to share this feeling with others.
Clear communication is also essential for building trust. When team members can express their ideas and concerns openly and honestly, they are more likely to trust one another. We can easily identify this in our workshops. When we debrief the activities, the participation of the team is an indicator of existing trust in the team. Teams that lack trust have unique behaviours. Only a few members participate in the conversation, and the rest keep quiet. Clear communication also helps team members better understand one another’s perspectives and work together more effectively.
Shared goals and values also help to build trust among team members. To begin with, ownership rests with the leadership. When team members are working towards a common goal and share the same values, they are more likely to trust one another. This is because they know that they are all working towards the same outcome and that they are all in the same boat.
Sharing credit and failure also plays a key role in building trust. A leader who gives credit where it is due and is not afraid to admit mistakes helps build trust among team members. Vulnerability is a great leadership strength.
Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
Team members are more likely to trust one another when they know that their contributions are valued and that failure is not punished.
In conclusion, trust is essential for the success of any team. It is the foundation upon which great teams are built. A leader who is trustworthy and who fosters open communication, clear goals and values, and the sharing of credit and failure can help to build trust among team members. When trust is present, teams work together more effectively, achieve common goals, and support one another in difficult times.
What do you think about the presence of trust in a team? Do share your comments.