Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any successful team, but as a leader—especially a new one—it’s important to remember that trust is not guaranteed; it is earned. Building trust takes time, effort, communication, and consistent actions. As you step into your leadership role, here are some practical ways to foster trust and create a strong connection with your team.

Build Rapport by Getting to Know Your Team

One of the first steps in building trust is to show genuine interest in your team members as individuals. Take the time to get to know each person—not just their job titles or responsibilities, but who they are, what drives them, and how they work best.

Understand their strengths, so you can leverage them effectively. Learn about their motivations—what excites them and keeps them engaged? Identify areas where they want to grow and develop, and help them see a path forward. Pay attention to what triggers their reward state (positive emotions like motivation) and what triggers their threat state (stress or disengagement). These conversations not only build rapport but also show that you care about their success and well-being.

Communication as the basis of a vital ecology

Ask them directly: What do you expect from me as your leader? What do you need from me to succeed?

This question is critical because it opens the door to understanding how each team member perceives your role as their manager. It also helps uncover any unrealistic expectations they may have. If a team member expects constant availability, immediate solutions to every problem, or preferential treatment, these assumptions could lead to disappointment—and ultimately erode trust—if they go unaddressed.

By having this conversation early, you create an opportunity to discuss and align expectations. This alignment ensures that both you and your team member have a shared understanding of what support looks like and what is achievable within the scope of your role. It also reinforces the idea that trust is built on honesty and mutual respect, setting the stage for a strong working relationship.

Communicate Openly and Transparently

Open communication is essential for trust. Keep your team informed about what’s happening—whether it’s progress on projects, decisions being made, or challenges the team is facing. If you don’t share updates, people may assume nothing is being done or feel left in the dark.

Be clear about expectations and honest about what you can deliver. Transparency builds credibility, even when the news isn’t perfect. Let your team know that they can come to you with questions or concerns at any time, and follow through on this promise by being approachable and responsive.

Follow Through and Demonstrate Integrity

Your actions will always speak louder than your words. If you make a promise—big or small—follow through on it. Consistency in delivering on commitments shows that you are reliable and trustworthy.

Integrity also means owning up to mistakes when they happen. Leaders aren’t perfect, and admitting when you’re wrong demonstrates accountability and humility. This sets the tone for a culture where it’s safe for others to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow.

Trust also requires you to trust others in return. Delegate tasks with confidence in your team’s abilities, rather than micromanaging every detail. Empowering your team shows that you believe in their skills while giving them space to thrive.

Be Kind, Caring, and Empathetic

Leadership isn’t just about achieving results; it’s about supporting the people who make those results possible. Show kindness by acknowledging their efforts and celebrating their wins—no matter how small they may seem.

Be empathetic when challenges arise, whether it’s personal struggles or professional obstacles. Take time to listen without judgment and offer support where you can. Even small gestures of care can go a long way in building loyalty and trust within your team.

Keep Trust-Building as an Ongoing Priority

Trust isn’t built overnight—it’s a continuous process that requires consistent effort over time. By focusing on building rapport, communicating openly, demonstrating integrity through actions, and showing kindness and empathy, you’ll create a foundation of trust that will strengthen over time.

As a leader, remember this: trust is not just something you earn—it’s something you nurture every day through your words, actions, and genuine care for the people you lead. In doing so, you’ll inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and unlock the true potential of your team.

(Photo by Fabian Gieske on Unsplash)