#27 3 Signs Your Project Team Isn’t as Trustworthy as You Thought

In project management, we often focus on deadlines, resources, and tasks, but we all know that something deeper defines a project’s success: the team. Beyond methodologies and tools, it’s the commitment, respect, and trust that allows a team to move forward together towards their goals.

At the end of the day, a project is something alive. It’s not just about fulfilling a role; it’s a collective effort, and when the team has a foundation of trust, each person brings out the best in themselves.

The power of trust: more than delegating, it’s about truly trusting.

When there’s genuine trust within the team, everything changes. A Project Manager who can trust their team is freed from micromanagement and can focus on leading and motivating. Trust creates a safe environment where everyone knows their work matters and can contribute authentically. This doesn’t just help the project advance; it makes the entire process smoother and more rewarding.

What happens when there’s no trust?

Without trust, the atmosphere becomes tense, and each person tends to protect their own area. This can lead to constant micromanagement, where the Project Manager and other team members feel they must monitor every step to ensure everything goes well. And when trust is lacking, it’s common to see delays, communication issues, and conflicts beginning to surface.

• Excessive micromanagement: The Project Manager and others end up supervising every detail, which consumes time and drains everyone involved.
• Conflicts and delays: Decisions are constantly questioned, and tasks are prolonged, leading to friction and misunderstandings.
• Low morale: Working in an environment where trust is lacking reduces motivation and team commitment.

And what if trust is lost?

Sometimes, trust starts off strong but can be lost along the way. This can happen when some members don’t fulfil their commitments or unresolved misunderstandings arise. When trust is broken, relationships are strained, and the project suffers.

• Collaboration difficulties: A lack of trust makes people start to hold back information or avoid working together, which complicates progress.
• Distrust in decisions: Uncertainty and constant questioning slow the project down.
• Refocusing becomes challenging: Rebuilding trust is possible, but it takes time and energy, diverting focus from the main goal.

Signs of a trustworthy team: how to know you’re on the right track

It’s important to recognise when you have a team you can rely on. Some signs that the team is aligned and that you can trust them include:

• Genuine commitment: Each member takes on their responsibilities with enthusiasm.
• Open communication: Conversations are sincere and solution-oriented.
• Mutual support: When someone needs help, the team is there to offer it, creating a respectful environment.

These are indicators that the team is not only aligned with the project but that each person feels they are part of something bigger.

When a team trusts and feels supported, the impact is lasting and goes far beyond the current project. Building a trusting relationship generates solid connections that benefit future projects and strengthen the organisation as a whole. Empathy also plays an important role in this process; by understanding each member’s challenges and needs, the Project Manager not only helps achieve goals but inspires genuine loyalty and commitment. Organisational culture greatly influences this building process: when an organisation promotes a culture of respect and shared responsibility, the team is strengthened and naturally aligns with the project.

In the end, a project’s success isn’t just about reaching the goal; it’s about the journey and the people who work together to achieve it. Creating an environment where each member feels valued and part of something bigger is one of the greatest accomplishments for any Project Manager. Once trust is in place, the team not only reaches their goals but enjoys the process of achieving them together.

What’s been your experience in building a trustworthy team? Share your thoughts.