You're leading a new team with high expectations. How can emotional intelligence help build trust?
Leading a new team with high expectations can be challenging, but emotional intelligence (EI) can help you build trust and foster a collaborative environment. Here’s how you can use EI effectively:
How do you use emotional intelligence to build trust in your team?
You're leading a new team with high expectations. How can emotional intelligence help build trust?
Leading a new team with high expectations can be challenging, but emotional intelligence (EI) can help you build trust and foster a collaborative environment. Here’s how you can use EI effectively:
How do you use emotional intelligence to build trust in your team?
-
Emotional intelligence doesn’t build trust, how we apply it does. Knowing how to read emotions isn’t enough, our teams trust us when we navigate emotions without losing direction. If we focus too much on harmony, we risk hesitation. If we prioritise control over connection, we create disengagement. So where’s the balance? In my experience, trust isn’t built through emotional intelligence alone, it’s built through how we lead in moments of tension. Do we create space for open conversations, or do we rush to fix discomfort? How do we guide decisions when emotions are high but action is needed? I believe the key isn’t just listening, it’s leading through uncertainty, making space for honesty while keeping us moving forward.
-
BUILDING TRUST WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN A NEW TEAM I would use emotional intelligence to listen to team members, understand their needs and concerns, and respond with empathy. Acknowledging their emotions and providing reassurance helps create a sense of safety and openness. Additionally, showing self-awareness in my actions and being consistent in my responses fosters credibility. Emotional intelligence helps build strong relationships and trust, which is important for meeting high expectations together.
-
Creating psychological safety/ emotional intelligence in the beginning of any team's engagement is very important. If done properly, it can reduce the time of the team's output by up to 50%.
-
EI builds trust: know yourself, manage feelings, and motivate. Show care, resolve conflicts fairly, and inspire. Listen actively, be transparent, and adapt to each member's needs. Genuine connection fosters strong teams!
-
Being able to recognize and understand others’ emotions creates stronger connections. When team members feel heard and valued, trust naturally follows.