Trusting Teams Move Faster

Why trusting teams move faster

Do you remember the game we used to play as children? One person would stand behind you, and you had to fall back, arms open, trusting that they would catch you. It’s a memory that still makes my stomach still drop when I think about it.

In a team, you’re not necessarily expected to physically catch someone (unless specified in your job description, I suppose), but the trust that goes with that exercise is critical. When team members trust each other deeply, engagement increases; when people are engaged, we know they do their best work.

What is trust?

Let’s take a step back to first understand the definition of trust in relation to teams.

The Oxford Dictionary defines trust as the” firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.”. It’s similar to opening the tap in the morning, trusting that the water will instantly come rushing out. Trusting teams move faster because they know the next person is reliable and has the ability to get the job done. This reduces turnover time as the team doesn’t waste time on second-guessing one another or having the need to redo work. It’s safe to say that you can have highly skilled individuals thrown together in a team, but if they lack the ability to build and nurture trusting, positive relationships amongst themselves, you won’t see them match their performance with their talent. Paul Zak shared interesting research outcomes in the HBR article titled: The Neuroscience of Trust. It showed that, compared with people at low-trust companies, people at high-trust companies report 74% less stress, 106% more energy at work, 50% higher productivity, 76% more engagement, 29% more satisfaction with their lives, and 40% less burnout. We call is, fuel for speed and performance.

How do I create trust in my team?

Throughout my time facilitating team sessions across various industries and team sizes, I found the most significant influencing factor when it comes to trust is the message the leader sends (sometimes subconsciously). A leader’s intentionality and effort to meet the team on their territory creates the space for the team to open up and invest in deeper relationships with their co-workers. This might mean showing up and participating in team sessions as though you are one of them, allowing yourself to be vulnerable when the moment calls for it, and listening well.

Secondly, clarity. If teams are clear on their roles, responsibilities, and other expectations, predictability will automatically translate into trust.

Communication and transparency are the third way to foster trust within your team. When team members are informed about the progress, challenges, and decisions, they feel more involved and valued. Transparency builds credibility and eliminates uncertainties, often breeding grounds for mistrust.

Additionally, promoting a culture of accountability can significantly contribute to building trust within the team. We fail to recognise how people can surprise us when we simply let them do their job. When individuals take ownership (or are allowed to) of their tasks and deliverables, they demonstrate reliability and competence.

Furthermore, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is essential for cultivating trust. When team members feel respected, heard, and included, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and trust each other’s intentions. Leaders can encourage inclusivity by fostering open dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives, and promptly and constructively addressing conflicts or issues.

Of course, Rome wasn’t built in one day. Building trust is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment from everyone on the team.

In conclusion, trust is the cornerstone of effective teamwork and organisational success. Trusting teams move faster because they operate with confidence, cohesion, and mutual respect. By fostering trust through leadership, communication, accountability, and inclusivity, teams can unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable results. So, invest in building trust within your team—it’s the key to unlocking unparalleled performance and success.

PS: We love helping teams move faster. Reach out to us and book a demo of the Cloverleaf Enneagram Tool, and we’ll help you fast-track your performance through trust.

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