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How Leaders Build Trust

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By George Waggott, founder, and Roberto Fonseca Velazquez, law student,

George Waggott Law


In a recent article published in the Globe and Mail, leadership consultant Merge Gupta-Sunderji wrote about how leaders can build trust with their team members. Trust is the foundation of effective leadership and cohesive teamwork. As a leader, particularly if you are new or stepping into a leadership role for the first time, building trust is essential for creating a collaborative environment where team members feel confident, valued, and motivated. Trust enables leaders to influence, inspire, and guide their teams toward shared goals. However, building trust is not a one-time task—instead, it is an ongoing process that requires deliberate effort and consistency.  Gupta-Sunderji recommends eight practical strategies for fostering trust within a team.


1. Acknowledge Your Newness and Commitment to Learning - Transparency about your new role helps set a collaborative tone. By admitting that you are new and eager to learn, you validate your team’s expertise and reduce skepticism. A simple statement like, “I’m here to grow and succeed with you,” demonstrates humility and commitment, paving the way for open communication.


2. Prioritize Listening - Start by understanding your team’s dynamics, strengths, and challenges. One-on-one meetings allow you to gather insights into people’s individual goals, frustrations, and their ideas. By listening actively and using open-ended questions, you show genuine interest in your team’s perspectives, fostering rapport and trust.


3. Communicate Openly and Honestly - Transparent communication builds authenticity and collaboration. Keep your team informed about developments, including challenges and setbacks. Regular updates, even when there’s little new to report, helps to avoid surprises and demonstrates accountability.


4. Take Responsibility for Mistakes - Admitting your mistakes and explaining how you will rectify them displays integrity and builds credibility. For example, acknowledging a miscalculation and proposing an updated plan shows accountability and models problem-solving behavior for the rest of the team to emulate.


5. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements - Acknowledging individual and team contributions boosts morale and fosters trust. Celebrations, whether through verbal recognition, written notes, or team gatherings, create a culture of appreciation and motivation.


6. Lead by Example - Your behaviour sets the standard for your team. By embodying the values you promote—such as patience, adaptability, or resilience—you reinforce your credibility. Actions speak louder than words, and consistent role modeling inspires your team to follow suit.


7. Be Approachable and Present - Approachability is key to nurturing trust. Maintain an open-door policy or schedule informal check-ins, especially for virtual teams. When engaging with team members, give them your undivided attention, avoiding distractions that could undermine their sense of support.


8. Demonstrate Consistency - Reliability is fundamental to trust. Consistent words and actions show your team they can depend on you. Whether it’s following through on promises or maintaining a steady approach, small consistent actions have a big impact on building confidence in your leadership.


Conclusion

Building trust takes time and requires consistent communication, authenticity, and reliability. Begin by adopting one or two of these strategies, and gradually expand your efforts as you gain experience. Each small step toward fostering trust strengthens your team dynamics and enhances your effectiveness as a leader. By prioritizing trust, you create a foundation for long-term success and collaboration.


For more information about George Waggott Law, please see: www.georgewaggott.com, or contact: george@georgewaggott.com



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