Why trust is foundational for high-performing teams
When I catch my breath after a futile tackle-back, I look around. To my left, someone is hitting their stick on the ground. In front of me, two boys are cursing each other out. My gaze meets that of our captain. His eyes speak volumes; here we go again.
We had just fallen behind 2-4. In hockey, not an insurmountable score, yet the game felt lost. And the scene before me confirmed that feeling. This was not a team that would turn things around.
The game was unfolding just like many other games that season. From the moment things got tough, we fell apart as a group and abandoned each other. Almost everyone was complicit. One teammate tried to solve everything on their own, and another hid. Our tone towards each other became increasingly destructive.
What a stark contrast to the team from a few years earlier. When we faced a setback, it unleashed a fierce, positive energy. A certain cohesion. The determination to stick together no matter what happened. A feeling that manifested in positive coaching and tremendous work ethic on the field. And although we had less individual quality in the team, we managed to turn around deficits more often than not that year. Strange, isn’t it?
At least, that’s what I thought. But when I reflected on it, I suddenly realized how much time and energy we had invested in each other that year. I remembered personal conversations, outings, exercises and team-building activities; I remembered a sense of trust.
This reflection is one of many that made me realize and understand a fundamental truth: success isn’t just about individual performance; it’s about the collective trust and camaraderie in a team. Trust forms the foundation upon which teams can build their strategies, execute plays and achieve impressive accomplishments. In this last blog, we’ll dive into the essence of trust within teams and the consequences when this vital element is lacking, considering both professional corporate teams as well as sports teams.
1) Added value of trust
Picture this: a team that trusts each other implicitly navigates through constructive conflicts with finesse and communicates directly and honestly. It's not just a dream scenario; it's the winning formula for any team aiming to reach new heights.
When team members feel safe enough to voice different opinions, challenge the status quo and engage in debates, they unleash a wave of understanding, creativity and encourage problem-solving. Think of it like summer rain: we might not be thrilled by the idea at first, but as soon as it happens it’s kind of refreshing and nourishes growth all around us.
2) How you can implement trust and the conditions for success
I can already hear you think – ‘but there are layers to this trust element.’ Correct! Let’s quickly unpack them:
Foundational:
This is the most basic level of trust – being able to rely upon your team members purely focusing on work agreements and team efforts.
Established:
One layer further you will start believing that all team members have their best interests at heart and act with integrity.
Vulnerable:
The most advanced layer of trust is knowing you can actually count on each other, you can be vulnerable about professional and personal matters.
You can view these layers as building blocks. When reaching the third building block – vulnerable –you’ve reached the ultimate level of trust. The big question: how do you get there? We’ve defined some conditions for success:
Lead by example:
Whether we like to admit it or not, we are very easily influenced by the attitudes and behaviors of our peers and team leads, coaches or managers. Let’s quickly take you back to a high-stakes playoff game of mine, where nerves were tangible. During the pre-game meeting, our coach, visibly anxious like the rest of us, suddenly rushed to the restroom. Upon returning, he playfully signaled 'poop' with his hands — a staged yet hilarious act that admits his nervousness. It broke the tension, demonstrating that vulnerability is acceptable. This moment did not only lighten the mood but also set a tone of honesty and camaraderie. It encourages us all to acknowledge our anxieties openly, fostering a deeper trust within the team.
Reliability:
Reliability in teams is closely tied to the principle of "doing what you say and saying what you do.” Think about a sports team's tactical pre-game discussion where a game plan and lineup are established. Sticking to these decisions during the game is vital; it guarantees that everyone fulfills their commitments, strengthening team cohesion and performance. Just like in sports, reliability in teams involves honoring agreements and delivering on promises, reinforcing a culture of trust and dependability.
Invest in personal relationships:
Investing in personal relationships within a team is like adding fuel to the teamwork engine—it keeps things running smoothly and efficiently. Imagine starting team meetings with a casual check-in where members share personal updates or anecdotes before diving into work-related discussions. Discussing weekend plans or sharing funny and vulnerable stories creates a relaxed atmosphere and fosters a sense of camaraderie. These personal interactions lay a solid foundation of trust and mutual respect, making it easier for team members to collaborate, communicate openly, and support each other both personally and professionally.
Constructive conflict and trust are closely linked, much like a Yin-Yang relationship. In previous blogs, we have explored the benefits of constructive conflicts and open communication, both essential components for building trust within teams. Creating a safe environment encourages team members to openly express their thoughts and feedback, whether positive or constructive. When integrating these principles into team dynamics, it is crucial to be attentive. Encourage constructive discussions and ensure that every team member has a voice in discussions. Assigning specific roles during meetings can help to ensure a balance of perspectives and promote constructive conflicts. When constructive conflict is executed well, trust within the team can grow further.
These steps nurture team cohesion and trust, enhancing collaboration within the team. As Transformation Team we help business teams assess and understand their level of trust and facilitate the process of building improved layers of trust. In doing so we help teams to create the essential foundation to become high-performing.
As we conclude our exploration of trust in teams, remember that trust is not just built overnight—it’s a journey. Reflect on your own team dynamics: How does your team build and maintain trust? What’s one trust-building activity you can implement with your team starting today? Share your stories and let’s keep the trust-building journey rolling!
Authors:
Chayenne Heide
Daan 't Gilde
Niels Neering
Do you want to build high-performing teams? Get in touch:
Peter Hardy
Director Transformation
T: +31650929204
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