How does a team go about developing vulnerability-based trust?
Unfortunately, it cannot be built overnight. It requires shared experiences over time, multiple instances of follow-through and credibility, and an in-depth understanding of the unique attributes of team members. However, taking a focused approach, a team can dramatically accelerate the process and build trust in relatively short order.
Consider the importance of building trust from the points below:
Without Trust, Team Members:
- Conceal their weaknesses and mistakes from one another
- Hesitate to ask for help or provide constructive feedback
- Hesitate to offer help outside their own areas of responsibility
- Jump to conclusions about the intentions and aptitudes of others
- Hold grudges
If a Team Is Trusting, Team Members:
- Admit their weaknesses and mistakes
- Ask for help
- Accept questions and input about their areas of responsibility
- Give one another the benefit of the doubt before arriving at a negative conclusion
- Offer and accept apologies without hesitation
Rationally it makes sense to move to the right hand side. There is only an upside to doing trust, no matter how hard or counterintuitive it feels. That is your ego trying to keep you safe. You are going to try something new. Your brain will resist. Know that your team members will feel the same. So it is down to you to go first, rumble with the uncomfortable feelings and with courage, do it anyway.
Reflection
- Is your team struggling to form deeper levels of trust? Why do you think this is?
- What three things could the team do to improve the level of trust?
- Do you feel as a team you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are some of the obstacles that keep people from trusting more openly?
- What steps can the team take to overcome these obstacles?
and remember...
- Trust is the foundation of teamwork
- On a team, vulnerability based trust is the differentiator, although often the most challenging skill to develop
- Trust building happens in many moments and takes time. It can not be done after one meeting or workshop.
- Trust building never ends, you have to top up the marble jar everyday
Discover more from 3WH
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.