Building Trust and Safety: Lessons Learned from Chaotic Sailing Adventures

Building Trust and Safety: Lessons Learned from Chaotic Sailing Adventures

In the picture above lies Monroe Harbor in Chicago, a place usually characterized by orderly boat formations aligning with the wind's direction. However, the disarray in the marina on a particularly windy day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust, communication, and safety in any team setting.

For me, sailing represents freedom and an escape to the open sea or lake. Unfortunately, not every sailing experience has been smooth sailing. Last year, I joined a racing boat crew that turned out to be an unfortunate disaster. Chaos, shouting, and improper rigging made it one of the worst sailing experiences I ever had.

The root of the problem lay in the absence of trust and effective communication among the boat owners and crew members. The boat owner, who also doubled as the driver, harbored animosity towards most people, creating a toxic atmosphere on the boat. They neglected the importance of practice sails, teamwork, and essential conversations, resulting in a lack of cohesion and respect.

On one particular race day, as I boarded the boat, the tension was palpable, and I felt uneasy knowing that the driver had no fondness for me or any other crew member. As we sailed out to the starting line, we encountered strong winds and choppy waters. The port side trim kept entangling, and despite my concerns, my input was disregarded until another experienced crew member intervened. This lack of trust and safety resulted in a dangerous broaching incident, causing injuries and further eroding confidence.

Experiencing such a disastrous sailing season taught me valuable lessons about building and maintaining trust in a team setting. Trust is the foundation upon which a successful team is built. It fosters open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members.

In retrospect, I recognized that trust-building begins with leading by example. Demonstrating trustworthiness through honesty, transparency, and consistency sets the tone for the entire team. Encouraging open communication and active listening creates a safe space where team members can freely express their thoughts and concerns.

Supporting and delegating effectively to team members also plays a vital role in building trust. Empowering individuals with important responsibilities and acknowledging their achievements fosters a positive team dynamic. Furthermore, accountability and avoiding micromanagement are essential in reinforcing trust and encouraging personal growth.

Resolving conflicts promptly and fairly, embracing diversity, and providing opportunities for professional development are additional strategies that contribute to a trusting and inclusive work environment.

Building trust takes time and requires consistent effort from everyone, including the team leader. It is an ongoing process that, when nurtured, can empower a team to achieve remarkable results together.

As I reflect on my sailing misadventure, I am reminded that the importance of trust and safety cannot be underestimated in any team or work setting. To avoid self-sabotage and ensure a productive, positive, and thriving team, prioritizing trust and safety should be the first step in building a successful team.

#leadershipdevelopment #communicationskills #tribe