Address the issue openly, creating a safe space for team members to share their perspectives and frustrations. Acknowledge any leadership gaps and commit to improving communication channels moving forward. Clarify roles, responsibilities, and goals to ensure alignment and eliminate misunderstandings. Introduce regular check-ins to encourage transparency and build accountability. Foster an environment of psychological safety where team members feel valued and heard, which strengthens trust. Model effective communication and encourage collaboration through team-building activities that emphasize shared success. Gradually, these efforts will help restore cohesion and rebuild a stronger, more unified team.

To build trust and serve as an example of the behavior you expect from team members is to first acknowledge the breakdown, your role in it, what you learned from the experience, and how it will improve your efforts moving forward. Then invite discussion from the team and encourage continuous improvement and that trust is built through participation of everyone through the accumulation of small actions.

To rebuild trust and cohesion after a communication breakdown, start by bringing the team together for an open, constructive discussion about what went wrong, focusing on lessons learned rather than assigning blame. Encourage everyone to share their perspectives and listen actively, demonstrating that all voices are valued. Establish clear communication protocols moving forward—such as preferred channels, regular check-ins, and transparency on project updates. Reinforce team goals and create opportunities for collaboration to re-establish bonds. Recognize and celebrate small wins along the way, gradually rebuilding trust and a unified team spirit.

To rebuild trust after our team’s communication breakdown, I’d start with a group venting session, giving everyone a chance to air out frustrations (and enjoy snacks). We’d play a “telephone game” to laugh at our own miscommunications, reminding everyone that “trust is like Wi-Fi—you miss it when it’s gone!” Next, I’d assign “buddy pairs” to support each other, bring in mandatory lunch breaks (no work talk, just bonding), and over-the-top high-fives to boost team spirit. Finally, with a little humor and patience, we’d turn things around. After all, at least we’re not surgeons!