Build a Team You can Trust!

A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other.

Simon Sinek

Many of us dread team-building events to improve employee morale, morale, and productivity! The big question is why? What is so challenging about team dynamics, AND why does the idea of focusing on team-building bring about so much negativity? Is this because of the common belief that team-building is a waste of precious time and money? Is it because they have rarely seen a possible return on investment in these activities? Is it because it is a forced exercise instead of voluntary and willing? Whatever the reason, the fact remains that staff needs to work together to ensure organizational goals and objectives are achieved!

Trust is a crucial element in any relationship, particularly within a team. This element needs to be built throughout the organization to ensure productivity is boosted and practical. Hidden agendas and games have no place in today's business climate, and transparency is the new Gucci! Trust is created when solid foundations are not only built but maintained and is very difficult to keep unless leadership is consistent.

"Managers often don't realize that they create their leadership problems"?(Ryan, 2018).?

Inconsistency and erratic behavior led to the erosion of trust in any company. It is well known that trust is earned and is often withheld until the actions of leaders reflect a culture that propagates trust. Particular things are required to ensure that trust is secured at every level.

In her?Forbes article?Ten Ways, To Build Trust On Your Team, Ryan says, "You and your fellow managers may have to step out of your comfort zone to make these changes. You may have to step out of your comfort zone merely to suggest making these changes!"

1. Communication– Open conversation and frequent communication need to be part of your everyday rituals. Daily "huddles" allow your team to be updated on what's happening in the organization and will enable them to contribute.
2. Stop Shaming – To err is human, and mistakes happen; embrace failure as a positive. Use mistakes to help you shape a new course of action. Innovation is often sparked by failure, working outside the box and outside comfort zones to find solutions.
3. Clarity – Your Handbook and Policies need to be updated and regularly shared. These policies need to be used consistently and equitably at every level of the organization.
4. Visibility – Leaders need to be available and visible to their teams. Leaders who are accessible can help team members overcome obstacles more quickly.
5. Appreciation – You must demonstrate that your team members are real people with real issues that affect them in and out of work. Show empathy and demonstrate humanity when dealing with your team.
6. Lead by Example– Leaders need to walk the walk and talk the talk. It is not a 'Do what I say, not what I do' mentality. If you want trust, you must demonstrate the behaviors of a trustworthy person.
7. Accountability – No one is perfect, and owning your mistakes shows trust, no matter how insignificant. Being open and honest with your team about your errors or a company error is much better than covering it up.
8. Adopt a Human Voice – Deal with your team personally and directly but avoid jargon, lectures, and quoting policies instead of actively listening and communicating in a natural yet professional way. Every conversation doesn't have to be formal and impassionate.
9. Check-in – Conduct check-ins and regularly take a 'temperature' check with your team. Ask them how they are doing and how you can make the environment more positive. Give your team a chance to be heard without judgment or retribution.
10. Honesty – Be transparent and be open to feedback. Demonstrating integrity is paramount if you want your employees to trust you.

Cultivating trust is challenging, even more, so keeping it. A high staff turnover cements this challenge. Sourcing and training new staff bring their obstacles and delays. It is crucial to solidify the company culture within your organization.?

Reinforce your 'trust' culture at every level of the hiring process. Practice what you preach and communicate your crucial cultural points to new candidates. This transparency will be transferred to your clients and customers.

Working with a professional like me a certified business coach with ActionCOACH can help you develop a solid company culture and environment to help build and keep powerful teams that will help you run your business.

At ActionCOACH, we focus on six keys to building a winning team, and the foundation of the process focuses on individual contributors and how they are fundamental to team productivity. The six keys to building a winning team include;

1. Strong Leadership
2. Common Goals
3. Rules of the Game
4. Action Plans
5. Support Risk Taking
6. 100% Involvement and Inclusion

TEAM doesn't have to be a four-letter word; it needs to be transformed into a rallying cry, 'Together WE Achieve More.'

To connect with me, visit www.peterdelange.co.za. Our ActionCoach programme guarantees results!