What do you do if your team members are resistant to building strong relationships with you as a leader?

As a leader approach the situation with empathy and patience. Take the time to understand their perspective and what might be causing their resistance. Show genuine interest in getting to know them on a personal level and finding common ground. Be approachable, communicate openly, and lead by example in fostering a positive and inclusive team environment. Building trust takes time, so continue to demonstrate your commitment to their success and well-being as both a leader and a colleague.

Over the years, I've learnt to take a step back and assess the situation. I rate the level of resistance and that gives me a good idea of employees' work ethos. An interesting dynamic is the age of our staff members and I tend to ask the oldest and the youngest staff member how they view things.

It can be achieved by continuous support, promoting respect culture and ensuring equality diversity and inclusion elements. This gives people a sense of ownership leading towards better relationship building.

Picture this: You've poured your heart into leading your team, but it feels like hitting a wall. They're distant, unresponsive, almost like ships passing in the night. It's disheartening. But then, you pause, reflect. You realize it's not about you; it's about them. So, you roll up your sleeves and dive in. You start one-on-one conversations, not about work, but about dreams, aspirations. You listen, truly listen. Slowly, trust blooms like a flower in spring. You offer support, mentorship, not out of obligation, but out of genuine care. And suddenly, the wall crumbles, replaced by bridges of connection. Your team becomes a family, united by a shared purpose. It's not just leadership; it's a journey of transformation, for them, and for you.

Open dialogue means talking openly and honestly with others. It's important to listen carefully to what they have to say and share your own thoughts and feelings too. When you have open dialogue, you can understand each other better and work together to solve problems. Be respectful and considerate of other people's opinions, even if you don't agree with them. By having open dialogue, you can build trust and stronger relationships with those around you.

For me open dialogue is first inviting them to a casual setting outside of workplace to first relax their defenses they have if any. To make them comfortable, first talk on a general topic like their hobbies, interests etc. Then gently let them know the purpose of this hangout and ask them to honestly voice their opinions one by one as to why they are resistant to my leadership along with the things I can change/improve on myself to make them comfortable and build teamwork. After hearing their opinions/suggestions, I will assure them that I would work on those things and dispel their misconceptions.

Invite your team for open communication in a safe, non-judgemental space. Show that you are willing to collaborate on finding solutions to any problems that they may be facing.

Foster an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged. For instance, hold regular team meetings where everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas. This can help in addressing any issues or misunderstandings.

As a leader with a platform, I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words. It's imperative to demonstrate to your team what strong relationships look like by being a role model. Exhibit the qualities you wish to see in your team—transparency, accountability, and supportiveness. When team members witness your unwavering commitment to these values, they are more inclined to reciprocate and open up themselves. Leading by example also entails consistency in behavior; any inconsistency can breed uncertainty and foster further resistance. By embodying these principles, we create a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth within our teams.

There is this adage 'be the person you needed when you were younger' - I am conscious of not repeating the mistakes of managers before me, or cultivating an environment built on unhealthy expectations. People thrive in situations where they feel nurtured. My idea of leadership is to be an example of hard work, mixed with collaboration and respect. We do not actively practice hierarchical roles in our team. We all get down in the dirt and get things done. No one person should be more important than the next. Each person is made understand their role, and how it impacts on the overall goals of the team and organisation. That way we always have our goals in sight, whilst empowering team members while implementing them.

Your leadership role demands guiding your teammates in the correct direction, which isn't always achievable through verbal communication alone. Your actions and choices work as silent cues, naturally inspiring those around you. Keep in mind that your team looks up to you, observing your traits and behavior for cues. Even if there are initial disagreements or difficulties, patience, and equal treatment allow the development of strong bonds with your team over time.

I carry boxes, I have no personal assistant, I arrive early and give it my all. Consistency is indeed key because it build bonds that strengthen team ethos and drive.

Mahatma Gandhi said " If you want to see change be the change " "Leading by examples can motivate the team members to work with collective responsibility. A leader should win the confidence of the co-workers. Faith not fear shall do the miracle. A leader must show the way to his followers to illuminate the paths of his followers.Empathic treatment of team members can boost up the morale of the followers It is equally important to scan the issues of dissension towards an amicable solution. Chandra Shekhar Dubey

As a leader, it's crucial to recognize that resistance can often stem from a lack of support or understanding of one's role within the team. To overcome this, it's essential to ensure that each team member feels valued by acknowledging their efforts and providing the necessary resources for their success. Offer mentorship or professional development opportunities to those who might benefit from them. When team members see that you're genuinely invested in their growth and development, they're more likely to trust your leadership and build a stronger relationship with you. By fostering a culture of support and empowerment, we can overcome resistance and achieve collective success.

Consistently being available to support the team is essential. Whether they're encountering mistakes or challenges, fostering a bond where they feel your presence ensures they trust your ability to resolve issues. Additionally, it's important to acknowledge their hard work by giving credit where it's due, establishing a positive environment. Lastly, do not micromanage them and trust them. Give them space to grow.

Sometimes resistance may come from lack of understanding their role within the team. Or sometimes your team member may be hesitant to talk thinking you might not be approachable. Showing investment in team members' growth can foster trust in your leadership and giving them that comfort f2f can strengthen your relationship.

It's best to engage them and level with them. The reason a member resists could be because of a lack of support in the form of disengagement. They’re disintenterested to work with you considering they don't find interest or meaning in what you're preaching. Solution? Make them feel that the opportunity you're offering them is worth their while. Specifically, hyper-personalize your approach in getting through to them. Know their likes and dislikes. And, use it as the basis to connect with them.

I'm truly with the idea of growth. When interacting with staff, junior or senior, one must show appreciation and take them on board, rather than leaving doors closed. I believe one should be aiming to grow people as u interact with them - sometimes I spend too much time on this but the truth is we are creating future leaders.

It’s important to listen and validate team members feelings while attempting to understand the root cause of the their concerns. By doing this, you will start to build trust through demonstrating transparency, openness and empathy while creating an environment that is safe to voice different opinions. This builds trust. Leading by example and providing support and guidance along the way as needed will help establish credibility and earn respect from your team.

Throw some humor into the mix! I've always found that a bit of humor keeps people engaged and alert to what may be in store for them. And that enables me to slip in with a win!

Creating an inclusive team environment is essential for reducing individual resistance. Encourage collaboration by organizing team-building activities that foster cooperation and communication. These shared experiences can break down personal barriers and cultivate a sense of camaraderie. When team members feel like they're part of a cohesive group, they're more likely to engage positively with each other and with you as their leader. By promoting teamwork and inclusivity, we create a foundation for success built on mutual respect and support.

Promote a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. For instance, organize team-building activities that require collaboration and help in building stronger relationships.

As leaders, it's crucial to take time to reflect on our leadership style and be open to adapting it if necessary. Not every approach will resonate with every team member, and flexibility is a valuable trait. Seek feedback from your team and be willing to make changes based on their suggestions. This demonstrates that you respect their input and are committed to improving the team dynamic, which in turn encourages them to build a stronger relationship with you. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Building strong relationships with your team is important, even if there's resistance. Here's what you can do: - Keep communication channels open for concerns and ideas. - Arrange informal interactions like coffee breaks or lunch outings. - Find common ground based on shared interests or goals. - Offer constructive feedback to aid growth and strengthen relationships. - Provide training to enhance communication skills. - Show authenticity in your interactions. - Regularly recognize and appreciate your team's efforts. Dedicate time and effort to building relationships with your team members—it's an investment that pays off in the long run. Building relationships takes time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

Leaders have convening power, but seldom use it properly. Bring your team together in multiple settings, formats, sizes, places — they’ll see you in a new light and vice versa. I learned a lot about this from “The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker. I highly recommend this easy to follow guide on creating transformative gatherings.

If team members are resistant to building strong relationships with me as a leader, I would first try to understand the reasons behind their reluctance. It could be due to various factors such as communication barriers, personality differences, or past experiences with leadership. To address this situation, I would take the following steps: 1. Open Communication. 2. Lead by Example. 3. Encourage Collaboration. 4. Provide Support. 5. Celebrate Successes. Overall, my approach would be to address any resistance with empathy, understanding, and proactive communication, while also providing support and encouragement to help foster stronger relationships within the team.

Setting and respecting boundaries is necessary for a healthy and productive team environment. It helps in everything, from target-setting to execution to team building.

If your team members are resistant to building strong relationships with you as a leader, it's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Initiate open and honest conversations to uncover any underlying concerns or issues. Show genuine interest in their perspectives and actively listen to their feedback. Lead by example by demonstrating approachability, empathy, and support for their professional growth. Encourage team bonding activities and create opportunities for collaboration to foster a positive and cohesive work environment.