Trust and a High Performance Team

Our team had an offsite meeting last week. After 20 years in the making, we have risen to a level of a high functioning, incredible machine, unlike anywhere we have been in our history. 

It isn’t lost on me the work that went into building it to this level. Intentionally or unconsciously, perhaps a mix of both, our team has trust in each other, a non-negotiable characteristic for success.

I have reflected on this trait, the ability to trust, and to be trusted, since the meeting. When in a business where the goal is profit, trust can become easy to push when it isn’t in the best interest of the deal.

The deal that includes value to both sides of the equation. A valuable service, product, relationship, or all of the above. When profits are at risk, human nature can manipulate truths. Although at the moment it can seem harmless, the long-term implication of a lack of authenticity is enough to irreversibly kill relationships.  

Trust for each other is one of the many reasons our firm is flourishing.

We have a trust for each other at a familial level. Trust to do what you say you will do. Trust in the ability to make mistakes with self-awareness, leading to growth. Trust in the empowerment from battle scars, personally and professionally earned. Trust that you have others around you that will cheer when you succeed, and lift you when you fall.

There are too many individuals I work with who experience lack of trust in their environment, with co-workers, or even in themselves, which creates disdain in their current career opportunity.  If you are the one in that scenario today, guessing what others around you are thinking about your performance, concerned about your “territory” or where your value may be, first try reflecting on your own ability to be trusted.

Are you accountable for what you say you will do? Do you own your mistakes? If others entrust you in confidence, will you build them up gracefully? In turn, will your team empower you with allowing you to be the best version of you, while growing into new areas and having safety when you fall?

I am still basking in the fun we all had at the team meeting. The power of an incredible team, build on trust as foundation, is indomitable.