Trust is the foundation of every successful team. Without it, collaboration falters, communication breaks down, and morale plummets. But trust isn’t automatic. It’s something you earn through your actions every single day.
“Trust is earned… If you want your team to trust you, you have to earn that trust.”
This simple truth captures the heart of leadership. Building trust within your team requires intention, effort, and consistency. It’s about showing up in meaningful ways that make others feel seen, valued, and supported. Wondering how to do that? Here are nine practical ways to strengthen trust and create a thriving team.
1. Practice Reflective Listening
Listening is more than just hearing words—it’s about understanding what’s being said and reflecting it back to show that you truly get it. When a team member shares something, resist the urge to jump in with advice or solutions. Instead, repeat back what you’ve heard in your own words. This not only clarifies understanding but also makes people feel acknowledged and respected.
For example, try saying, “What I’m hearing is that you’re feeling frustrated because the project timeline feels too tight. Is that right?” Simple moments of reflective listening can go a long way in building trust.
2. Communicate Clearly and Consistently
Ambiguity is a trust killer. When you’re unclear or inconsistent in your communication, it leaves team members feeling uncertain or even suspicious about your intentions.
Be straightforward and transparent about expectations, priorities, and changes. Follow up on what you say, and always keep your team in the loop. Consistency breeds reliability, and reliability builds trust.
3. Be Inclusive
Trust grows in an environment where everyone feels they belong. Make an intentional effort to include all voices, especially those that might often go unheard. Ask for input and feedback from team members at every level, respecting diverse perspectives and experiences.
Inclusivity isn’t just about making decisions collectively; it’s about showing that every team member’s contribution matters.
4. Acknowledge and Appreciate Consistently
Recognition is powerful. Your team wants to know that their hard work isn’t going unnoticed. Make it a habit to acknowledge and appreciate contributions regularly—not just during formal reviews but in everyday interactions.
A simple, “I noticed the effort you put into that presentation, and it really paid off. Great job!” can make a significant impact. When people feel valued, they’re more likely to trust that you have their best interests at heart.
5. Be Present and Look People in the Eyes
5. Be Present and Look People in the EyesOne of the simplest but most profound ways to build trust is by being fully present in your interactions. When you’re distracted by your phone or multitasking during conversations, it sends the message that the other person isn’t a priority.
Instead, give your full attention. Maintain eye contact. Show through your body language that you’re engaged. Presence communicates respect, and respect is the bedrock of trust.
6. Make Introductions for Others
Trust isn’t just about what you do directly for a team member but also about how you advocate for them. One simple yet impactful way to build trust is by making meaningful introductions that benefit their professional growth.
Think about opportunities to connect your team members with others in your network. Doing so shows you’re invested in their success and actively looking for ways to support their aspirations.
7. Ask Good Questions, Then Listen
Great leaders don’t just issue instructions; they ask thoughtful questions that invite dialogue and deeper understanding. Questions like, “What do you think is the best way forward?” or “What’s holding you back right now?” encourage openness and trust.
Once you ask the question, be quiet and truly listen. Avoid the temptation to interrupt or dominate the conversation. The more you listen, the more your team will trust you to understand their needs.
8. Be Generous with Praise
Trust flourishes when people feel good about the work they’re doing and confident in their abilities. Be generous with your encouragement and praise—not in a way that feels forced or insincere, but in a way that recognizes genuine effort and excellence.
When team members know you see and celebrate their wins, they’ll be more likely to trust your leadership during tougher times.
9. Provide Emotional Support Without Trying to Fix Things
Sometimes, the best way to build trust is simply by being there when a team member is struggling. If someone is upset or overwhelmed, resist the instinct to “fix it” right away. Instead, offer a safe space to vent and connect emotionally.
You can say something like, “I’m here to listen. Let me know how I can support you.” Creating a “soft landing place” shows empathy, which strengthens trust on a deeply human level.
Putting It All Together
Building trust isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistently showing up in small, meaningful ways. By reflecting these practices in your daily interactions, you foster an environment where your team feels supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.
Trust takes time to earn but only a moment to lose. Make it a priority to invest in these habits, and you’ll see the difference not only in your team’s performance but also in the strength of your relationships.
Over to You
What steps are you taking to earn and nurture trust within your team? Are there any of these practices that you’d like to try or refine? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories about trust-building in the workplace. Share in the comments below or reach out directly—I’m always here to listen!
Here’s to strengthening trust, one step at a time!
Here’s to your greatness,
Misti Burmeister
Misti Burmeister helps companies and leaders motivate and inspire excellence. For more than 20 years, she has facilitated communication that results in trust, increasing engagement and productivity across generations. Make sure your communication is coming across the way you intend.