Do you have the trust of your team? Do your team members feel confident relying on you, sharing their ideas openly and working with you and each other to achieve success as a group? They should. Because trust is the glue that holds the team together. As a leader, trust is what allows you to influence, inspire and guide. And if you are first-time leader or new to your team, building trust is even more critical, because it helps bridge the initial gap created by unfamiliarity or skepticism.
Building trust is not something you do once or twice, it is a process. Fortunately, there are many deliberate actions you can take to progressively establish an environment in which respect, collaboration and mutual confidence thrive. Here are eight possible approaches. Think about these as a basic tool kit for building trust. You don’t have to use every tool every time or every day, but the more you utilize them, the stronger your foundation of trust and credibility will become. And as you experience and learn, you can add more tools to your tool kit.
Acknowledge you’re new, but eager to learn
Being transparent about your new role will help create a collaborative tone. Let team members know you’re ready to grow with them and committed to collective success. Don’t be afraid to say, “While I’m new to this role, I’m here to learn and work collectively with all of you.” You’ll not only be recognizing their expertise and insights, but you may also lessen initial skepticism and pave the way for further communication.
Listen more
If you’re new to the team, your first priority should be to gain insights into the team’s dynamics, strengths and challenges. Take the time to schedule one-on-one meetings with each team member to gather more information. Use open-ended questions to find out more about their goals, frustrations and ideas for improvement. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge about the inner workings of your department, but you’ll also be demonstrating genuine interest in their perspectives, which further builds trust and rapport.
Communicate openly and honestly
Transparent communication is vital for furthering trust. It creates a culture of authenticity and collaboration, and ensures your team doesn’t feel like they’re being blindsided. Keep your team informed, even when you don’t have anything new to report. And it’s even more important to update them about challenges and changes that may not be seen as positive. Regular team meetings are a great way to accomplish this.
Own your mistakes
If something goes wrong, admit your responsibility and outline how you’ll prevent it in the future. For example, you could say, “I underestimated how long this would take. Let’s adjust our schedule so we can stay on track.” When you acknowledge your mistakes, it not only shows integrity, but it humanizes you and builds credibility with your team.
Recognize and celebrate
When you improve morale, you build trust. Acknowledging both team and individual contributions during meetings or in writing can make people feel valued. Genuine praise never goes unnoticed. And the occasional celebration boosts spirits. When you recognize effort, you cultivate a culture of appreciation and it motivates your team members to continue performing at their best.
Be a role model
Leading by example is one of the most powerful ways to build trust. As a leader, you are a role model. Whether you want it, whether you like it, whether you realize it or not, people are watching you. And your behaviour and actions will determine how they behave and act. If you preach patience, then make sure you show it. If you value adaptability, then handle crises with composure and rational action. When you exhibit what you expect, you will reinforce your credibility and enhance trust.
Be approachable
Nurturing trust requires you to be present and approachable. Maintain an open-door policy or, if your team is virtual, schedule informal check-ins to stay connected with them. Set aside time in your calendar for casual discussions or feedback, and be fully engaged when people reach out. Trying to multi-task during a conversation is a surefire way to make your team feel unheard and unsupported. So turn away from distractions and give them your full attention.
Be consistent
Reliability is foundational to trust. Consistency in words and actions shows your team they can depend on you, which strengthens their confidence in your leadership. If you commit to doing something, follow through. Even small actions, such as delivering on a promise made on the fly, can have a big impact.
Building trust is a gradual process that requires consistency, communication and authenticity. Start with one or two of these ideas and see how they transform your relationships and leadership. Each small step you take to build trust strengthens your team.
Merge Gupta-Sunderji is a speaker, author, mentor to senior leaders, and the chief executive officer of the leadership development consultancy Turning Managers Into Leaders.