5 Essential Steps to Building Trust With Your Team

Aug 11

Introduction

Being a new manager can be intimidating as you learn to navigate the role of leading your team and growing your employees. To have a positive work environment, there must be trust within the team you are managing. The same situation occurs when new members join the team and they must gain your trust. Here are some essential steps to build trust within your team and ultimately create a great work environment in the process:

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Guide to Building Trust With Your Team

Remain Consistent With Your Expectations

Consistency is key to being a successful team leader. Any changes in expectations should be communicated immediately to your team to avoid anyone having to go back and redo work. Doing so will allow you to be honest with your team and keep communication open with your employees. Make sure to communicate expectations with new employees, so they can understand what is expected of them within your team.

Teach Your Employees New Skills

Another way you can gain your employees’ trust is by sharing your skills with them. If you have a strong background in marketing, for example, take the time to teach your employees some of the knowledge you have learned within your career. Doing so will allow your employees to come to you when they have questions on skills and feel comfortable asking for advice. In addition, teaching your team members new skills will allow them to grow as employees.

Find A Clear Communication Method With Your Employees

Being a great manager comes from communicating clearly with your team. If tasks are not clearly assigned, or if an employee is unsure of a deadline, your employees will become stressed and not be able to trust your delegation. Consider emailing tasks or discussing them in a meeting to make sure everyone is on the same page. Ensure your employees that they are able to contact you with any questions, and provide them with the best way to communicate with you at work, whether that be email or a direct message.

Be Willing to Take Feedback from Your Employees

As you work to gain the trust of your employees, don’t be afraid to ask your team members for feedback on your leadership. You may discover the employees need more support or clearer directions, for example. Asking for feedback shows you are eager to grow within your managerial role and have a desire to lead your team to success.

Give Your Employees Feedback on Their Work

No employee wants to feel like their work is being neglected. Your employees will trust you if you give them timely feedback on their performance. The feedback doesn’t need to be extravagant; a simple compliment can go a long way in making your employees feel appreciated. Feedback demonstrates you care about the employee’s work and truly want to see them succeed.

Conclusion

Gaining the trust of your employees can be a difficult task for a manager. Remaining consistent and clear can help avoid any misunderstandings that can degrade the relationship. In addition, consider sharing skills with your employees to build up their confidence and abilities. Be authentic as a manager and try to place yourself in their shoes to understand the employees’ needs.