How Managers Build Trust Within a New Team
Building trust in a new team is crucial for creating a positive and productive work environment and for the success of the leader.
Without trust, teamwork, clear communication, and collaboration are impossible. But building and establishing trust takes time, especially with a new team.
Here are some practical ways a manager can build trust with a new team:
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for each team member. Do this in writing. As Russ Laraway put is, “high expectations are great, clear expectations are essential.”
Demonstrate Alignment: The manager must lead in alignment with the standards and expectations they have set for the team. When team members see the manager's commitment to their articulated values, they are more likely to trust them. When the manager misses the mark they can increase trust further but acknowledging it with the team and sharing what they have learned and will do different going forward.
Communicate Openly: Seek out and encourage open and honest communication within the team. Create this culture in regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins inviting a two-way dialogue about how things are going. The leader must be able to take feedback and input before giving. This includes, maybe most importantly, addressing any issues or conflicts within the team promptly, proactively, and professionally.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key to building trust. The manager should be consistent in their actions, decisions, and communication. This creates a sense of stability and predictability within the team.
Acknowledge, Appreciate, and Celebrate: Acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate the contributions of the team, collectively and individually. Also, encourage peer-to-peer appreciation. When team members feel valued, they are more likely to trust the manager and the team.
Building trust in a new team takes time and effort, but it is only way to create a productive and positive team.
Setting clear expectations, leading aligned with your expectations, communicating openly, and showing appreciation is a sure way to create a trusting, aligned, and cohesive team.