Here's how you can establish trust with your sales team.

Establishing trust with your sales team is about more than just working together; it's about building genuine connections. It's the essential first step towards mutual trust. Trust isn't built overnight; it takes time and effort to develop. Understanding each team member's strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations is crucial. It's not just about completing tasks but also supporting them in overcoming weaknesses and leveraging their strengths. Being a helping hand rather than just giving orders fosters trust and rapport. Provide them a psychological safety so that a platform for transparent communication is established.

Establishing trust with your sales team starts with open communication and genuine support. Regularly share clear goals, listen to their feedback, and recognize their achievements. Provide the resources and training they need to succeed, and always lead by example. By creating a positive and transparent work environment, you build a foundation of mutual respect and trust that empowers your team to perform at their best.

Walk your talk. Be positive and do what you commit to do. Own up when you make a mistake, show some vulnerability and the team will trust in you.

One of my earliest mentors and managers imparted a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me: "Don't ask for permission; seek forgiveness if something goes wrong. And things will go wrong from time to time. If nothing ever fails, perhaps you're not pushing hard enough." Marty, as he was known, exemplified this philosophy. When things inevitably did go awry, his response was reassuring: "Phil, we aren't curing cancer. It's important, but not that important." So, strive, persevere, and if at first you don't succeed, try again—this time, with a completely different approach.

Empowerment develops growth. Set expectations and coach them, not tell them. Provide an environment where they can fail as well as succeed with psychological safety.

Empowering your sales team is crucial for building trust and driving success. Providing autonomy and space for your teammates to work effectively is essential. Trusting in their abilities not only boosts morale but also empowers them to make crucial decisions without fear of failure. When team members feel empowered, they take ownership of their work, leading to increased motivation and better performance. It's about instilling confidence in your team, encouraging them to take initiatives and seize opportunities. This sense of ownership not only drives them to go the extra mile but also prepares them to become leaders in the future.

Creating an environment of psychological safety is crucial; team members should feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback without fear of repercussions. This promotes two-way communication and fosters trust, leading to better exchange of ideas and innovative solutions. In a company, what sets it apart for the long run isn't just short-term plans but the innovations that arise from open dialogue. Encouraging open communication not only values contributions but also ensures that every team member feels heard and respected, ultimately driving success.

In my experience, celebrating the great effort from a team member is amazingly powerful. It provides both pride and confidence. Doing it by writing an email with wider leadership is giving them the visibility they deserve.