What are the best practices for building trust with other researchers?

2 Share data and resources

Sharing data and resources is another way to show trust and collaboration. You need to be transparent and honest about your data sources, methods, and results. You also need to be willing to share your data and resources with your research partners, such as code, tools, documents, and contacts. Use secure and accessible platforms, such as cloud storage, online repositories, and collaborative software, to store and exchange your data and resources. Follow ethical and legal guidelines, such as data protection and confidentiality, when sharing data and resources.

3 Give and receive feedback

Feedback is crucial for improving your research quality and outcomes. You need to give and receive feedback regularly and constructively with your research partners. You also need to be open-minded and respectful when giving and receiving feedback. Use specific and objective criteria, such as research questions, hypotheses, and evidence, to evaluate your work and provide suggestions. Use positive and supportive language, such as praise, encouragement, and appreciation, to motivate your work and acknowledge strengths.

5 Align values and vision

Values and vision are the core of trust and collaboration. You need to align your values and vision with your research partners, such as your mission, purpose, and impact. You also need to align your values and vision with your research stakeholders, such as your customers, users, and beneficiaries. Use shared and consistent language, such as keywords, slogans, and stories, to express your values and vision. Use collaborative and participatory methods, such as co-design, co-creation, and co-evaluation, to achieve your values and vision.

6 Celebrate achievements and challenges

Achievements and challenges are the outcomes of trust and collaboration. You need to celebrate your achievements and challenges with your research partners, such as your milestones, publications, and awards. You also need to celebrate your achievements and challenges with your research community, such as your peers, mentors, and sponsors. Use celebratory and appreciative language, such as congratulations, thank you, and well done, to recognize your achievements and challenges. Use celebratory and reflective activities, such as parties, events, and debriefs, to enjoy and learn from your achievements and challenges.

7 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?