You’re leading a team that’s struggling to work together. How can you build trust and get them back on track?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step to solving any problem is to understand what caused it. Maybe your team is facing a challenging project, a tight deadline, a change in leadership, or a conflict among personalities. Maybe there are gaps in skills, expectations, or feedback. Maybe there are external factors that affect your team's performance, such as the pandemic, the market, or the competition. Whatever the case, you need to identify the root cause of your team's struggle and address it with honesty and empathy.

2 Communicate openly and frequently

The second step to building trust is to communicate openly and frequently with your team. You need to share your vision, goals, and priorities with them, and listen to their ideas, concerns, and feedback. You need to provide clear and constructive guidance, recognition, and support to them, and encourage them to do the same for each other. You need to create a safe and respectful space for your team to express themselves, ask questions, and share opinions, without fear of judgment or retaliation.

3 Involve your team in decision-making

The third step to fostering collaboration is to involve your team in decision-making. You need to acknowledge their expertise, experience, and perspectives, and invite them to contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of your projects. You need to empower them to make choices, take ownership, and learn from mistakes. You need to respect their autonomy, creativity, and diversity, and celebrate their achievements. By doing so, you will show your team that you trust and value them, and that you are all working towards a common goal.

4 Encourage teamwork and learning

The fourth step to enhancing your team's performance is to encourage teamwork and learning. You need to create opportunities for your team to work together, share knowledge, and solve problems. You need to promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. You need to provide your team with the resources, tools, and training they need to grow and succeed. You need to challenge them to stretch their skills, explore new possibilities, and overcome obstacles.

5 Resolve conflicts constructively

The fifth step to maintaining a healthy team dynamic is to resolve conflicts constructively. You need to recognize that conflicts are inevitable and natural in any team, and that they can be beneficial if handled properly. You need to address conflicts early, calmly, and objectively, and avoid blaming, criticizing, or ignoring them. You need to facilitate dialogue, understanding, and compromise among your team members, and help them find win-win solutions. You need to model positive and respectful behavior, and reinforce the norms and values of your team.