Building Trust as the Foundation of Leadership, Part Two
Once trust is established, maintaining it requires ongoing work. Sustained trust is essential for healthy team dynamics and a thriving workplace culture. Here are some practical steps leaders can take to nurture and protect trust:
Defining Team Fundamentals: By establishing key fundamentals, leaders give the team a clear framework for unity and accountability. Ask your team to identify three core values central to your mission. These fundamentals help guide daily actions and reinforce trust by providing a shared language and understanding.
Regular Health Check-ins: A team’s culture reflects its collective health. Leaders should regularly check with team members on their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Simple “tank checks” show you care, allowing individuals to share where they need support and preventing burnout before it starts.
Open Dialogue and Feedback: Missteps are inevitable, but it’s essential to address them. Trust erodes whenever a leader misses an opportunity to follow up on conflicts or failed promises. Open dialogue is key: address issues early and encourage team members to share ideas even if they’re not immediately used. It’s the willingness to listen that strengthens bonds.
Focusing on Balance: A balanced leadership style involves care, connection, and challenge. According to Dr. Cloud, an effective leader dedicates 20% to care, 40% to connection, and 40% to challenging the team. This approach ensures a well-rounded dynamic where the team feels valued and encouraged to stretch and grow.
Avoiding Survival Mode: Strong habits and clear boundaries help prevent leaders and teams from slipping into “survival mode,” where reactive decisions replace proactive planning. When we focus on building and maintaining trust, we avoid the pitfalls of short-term fixes and instead cultivate sustainable, long-term success.
Call to Action: Think about the culture you want to create in your team. Consider a proactive step you can take today, like holding a “tank check” meeting, clarifying team values, or giving constructive feedback. Committing to these trust-sustaining practices sets the stage for a thriving, united, and high-performing team.
December 2024