How can you use emotional intelligence to rebuild trust with a team member?

Being able to recognise there is a problem, or anticipating it and briefing the person will make a huge difference. Generally, people understand they won't have things their way all the time, but being overlooked entirely or feeling excluded or in the dark is where resentment creeps in. Having the foresight and EQ to recognise that this person is going to feel frustrated, upset or angry about something and talking to them about it - without them having to demand your attention or acknowledgement - will help build or maintain that trust.

Research shows that the quickest way to rebuild trust is by using empathy. That is empathy, not sympathy. Sympathy can feel detached and focus on pity. However, empathy is understanding the journey and relating to it in some way. Developing and practicing your empathetic language skills will help fast track you to a meaningful relationship.

Yes, it’s important to identify where is the source of mistrust and talk things through. Team members need to feel safe to talk about how they feel and what’s going on in their mind without worrying about being judged or criticized. If problem between 2 parties persist, get a neutral 3rd party to facilitate without anyone siding with either party.

Assurance and acceptance is the key for winning the trust back. Moreover, one who is looking for a positive outcome, must have the capacity to coordinate and cooperate even in adverse circumstances to achieve an end goal.

One key aspect to building and maintaining trust with team members is demonstrating your benevolence towards them. Benevolence shows your counterpart that you are concerned for their interests as well as your own, and unless a person believes you have some level of concern for their interests, they won't be able to trust you. Emotional intelligence skills are incredibly useful in demonstrating benevolence. They help you demonstrate understanding of the other person and establish a human connection that serves as a strong foundation for greater trust.

It’s important to build a safe environment where team members are allowed to speak their mind without being made wrong. Any misunderstanding and miscommunication can be dealt with when both parties are willing. Safety starts with the leadership team.

Utiliza la Inteligencia Emocional (IE) para reconstruir la confianza con un miembro del equipo. Comienza con la autoconciencia, reconociendo tus propias acciones y emociones. Muestra empatía al comprender las perspectivas y sentimientos del miembro afectado. Comunica de manera transparente, admitiendo errores y disculpándote sinceramente si es necesario. Establece límites claros y cumple con compromisos para demostrar consistencia. Fomenta el diálogo abierto, permitiendo que el miembro exprese sus preocupaciones. Genera un ambiente de apoyo, destacando el desarrollo conjunto. La IE te capacita para abordar emocionalmente la situación, reconstruyendo la confianza a través de la comprensión, la transparencia y el compromiso.