How can you use commitment-trust theory to build team commitment?

1 The benefits of team commitment

Team commitment is the extent to which team members share a common goal, identify with the team, and are loyal to each other. This can have a significant impact on team functioning, such as motivating members to work hard and persist, coordinating and aligning actions, encouraging innovation and idea-sharing, and helping to resolve conflicts constructively. Team commitment can lead to better communication, cooperation, respect for diversity, and win-win solutions.

2 The role of trust in team commitment

Trust is an essential element that impacts team commitment. Commitment-trust theory states that trust directly increases team commitment by forming an emotional connection between members as well as providing a sense of security and reliability. Additionally, trust enables team commitment by enabling the exchange of resources, such as information, support, and recognition. To build team commitment, it is necessary to cultivate trust among your team members and between your team and other stakeholders.

3 The dimensions of trust

Trust is not a single concept; rather, it has multiple dimensions that reflect the trustor-trustee relationship. Mayer et al. (1995) identified three main dimensions of trust: Ability, Benevolence, and Integrity. To build trust in your team, you must demonstrate and promote these dimensions among your team members and other parties. Ability refers to the trustor's perception of the trustee's skills, knowledge, and competence in a specific domain. Benevolence is the trustor's perception of the trustee's goodwill, care, and concern for the trustor's interests and needs. Integrity is the trustor's perception of the trustee's honesty, consistency, and adherence to moral principles and norms.

4 The strategies to build trust

You can use various strategies to build trust in your team, depending on which dimension of trust you want to enhance. For example, to build trust in your team's ability, you can provide training, coaching, feedback, and recognition; delegate tasks and responsibilities; and showcase their achievements and expertise. To build trust in your team's benevolence, express appreciation, empathy, and support; solicit and listen to their opinions and concerns; and involve them in decision making and problem solving. Lastly, to build trust in your team's integrity, set clear and realistic expectations and goals; be transparent, accountable, and fair; and model and enforce ethical and professional behavior.

5 The challenges to maintain trust

Building trust in your team is an ongoing process that requires consistent attention and effort. Additionally, you need to be mindful of the potential challenges that can weaken or damage trust, such as uncertainty, diversity, and conflict. To sustain trust in your team, it is essential to monitor and address these issues proactively and constructively.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?