Trust Builds Great Teams

Great teams don’t happen by accident. I’m a massive fan of the Apple TV series Ted Lasso. Ted is the gaffer for a Premier League football team in Richmond, England. Except there is one huge problem…he’s only coached American football. Ted struggles with the rules, lingo, and English football culture. However, he is expected to field a great team. Ted does the hard work of building a great team, and it all starts with trust.

Trust is the foundation of all relationships. It shapes the risks we’re willing to take. Trust is necessary for us to have difficult conversations, drive innovation, or cultivate a healthy organizational culture. Gaining trust yields substantial rewards but requires consistent effort, built on countless small decisions.

Building trust within a team involves a few key strategies:

1. Communication: Maintain open, honest, honoring, and transparent communication. Regular updates and sharing of information help to create an atmosphere of trust.
2. Reliability: Consistently follow through on promises and commitments. When team members see that you are dependable, it builds trust.
3. Respect: Respect each team member’s ideas and contributions. Valuing everyone’s input encourages a more collaborative and trusting environment.
4. Integrity: Act with integrity and ethical behavior. Adhering to a robust set of moral values and principles reassures your team that you can be trusted.
5. Support: Be supportive and available to assist your team members. Providing help and encouragement in times of need can strengthen interpersonal trust.
6. Accountability: Encourage a culture where people are accountable for their actions. This includes addressing issues and learning from mistakes constructively.
7. Recognition: Acknowledge and appreciate each team member’s efforts and successes. This shows that you value their contributions and fosters mutual respect and trust.
   

Building trust is an ongoing process, and implementing these principles consistently can help develop and maintain a strong, trusting team environment. If you want to learn more about building trust in your team, I’m here for you. We’ll work together to break through barriers, harness your unique potential, and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Schedule an appointment today, and let’s chat about what you can do to be the best version of yourself.