How do you navigate trust trade-offs with your team?

1 Define and communicate expectations

One of the key factors that influence trust is clarity: do you and your team members know what is expected of each other, how to deliver on those expectations, and how to measure success? Without clear and consistent communication, trust can erode quickly, as people may feel confused, frustrated, or disappointed by unmet or unclear expectations. To avoid this, make sure you define and communicate the goals, roles, responsibilities, and norms of your team, and check in regularly to ensure alignment and feedback.

2 Encourage and support autonomy

Another factor that affects trust is autonomy: do you and your team members have the freedom and flexibility to make decisions, take actions, and use your skills and creativity to solve problems? Trusting your team to work independently and effectively can boost their motivation, confidence, and ownership of their work, as well as foster a culture of empowerment and innovation. To foster autonomy, delegate tasks and authority appropriately, provide resources and guidance when needed, and avoid micromanaging or controlling behaviors.

3 Share and solicit information

A third factor that influences trust is transparency: do you and your team members share relevant and timely information, communicate openly and honestly, and seek and offer feedback and input? Sharing and soliciting information can enhance trust by creating a sense of mutual understanding, respect, and learning, as well as reducing uncertainty and ambiguity. To promote transparency, share your goals, challenges, and successes with your team, invite them to share their perspectives and ideas, and create a safe and constructive space for feedback and dialogue.

4 Recognize and reward contributions

A fourth factor that impacts trust is recognition: do you and your team members acknowledge and appreciate each other's efforts, achievements, and strengths, and celebrate your collective wins? Recognizing and rewarding contributions can strengthen trust by building a sense of gratitude, value, and belonging, as well as reinforcing positive behaviors and outcomes. To cultivate recognition, express your appreciation and praise to your team members, encourage them to recognize each other, and celebrate your team's milestones and accomplishments.

5 Manage and resolve conflicts

A fifth factor that affects trust is conflict: do you and your team members handle disagreements, misunderstandings, and tensions in a constructive and respectful way, or do you avoid, escalate, or blame each other? Conflict is inevitable in any team, but how you manage and resolve it can make or break trust. If handled well, conflict can be a source of learning, growth, and innovation; if handled poorly, it can damage trust and performance. To manage and resolve conflict, address issues early and directly, listen actively and empathetically, focus on interests rather than positions, and seek win-win solutions.