TomLaForce.com

Trust is often treated like magic. We like it and want it, but have no idea how to produce it. In reality, trust is a result of behaviors. If you want to build trust on your team, there are things a leader can and should do.  Here are 11 ideas to get you started. If you can think of others, just add them to the comments.

1. Model trustworthy behaviors. The leader sets the tone.
2. Seek out challenging group experiences. Overcoming obstacles pulls people together.
3. Open yourself to the group. Be vulnerable. Show others how to take some risk.
4. Encourage and support people in working out problems between themselves.
5. Acknowledge and reward the keeping of promises. Help people recognize and value others doing what they said they would do.
6. Focus group evaluation on ideas and behaviors, not on people.
7. Demonstrate and support open and direct communication. Mention the unmentionable.
8. Encourage light-heartedness in the group. Make it okay to laugh when things don’t go according to plan.
9. Yield the controls to someone else. Let the team drive.
10. Assume people have good intentions.
11. Give people time to change.