I’ve worked with enough teams to know this: when trust is low, everything is harder. When trust is strong, the work gets lighter. But you can’t demand trust. You earn it through consistency, transparency, and care.
Consistency is the foundation.
Do what you say you will do. Be dependable. Follow through. When leaders are consistent, teams know where they stand. There’s no guessing, no walking on eggshells. Just steady, reliable behavior that people can count on.
Transparency accelerates trust.
Teams don’t need to know everything, but they need to know what matters. Share your thinking. Explain your decisions. Talk about the challenges. Feeling like you don’t know what’s going on creates anxiety. When people feel included, they feel respected. They can make better decisions and take action sooner. Information is not power. Sharing information is where you create the power of everyone working together.
It’s hard to trust someone if you feel like they don’t care about you.
Trust is built on genuine connection. Show people that they are important. Show an interest in them as an individual. You don’t have to be their best friend; you just need to let them know that they are valued. To earn trust, you must first extend trust.
Trust can’t be forced or faked. It’s not built on grand gestures. It’s built in small moments over time. Be consistent, keep people informed, and show that you care. Three simple steps that make all the difference.
If strategy has ever felt confusing or theoretical, this guide will help.
It offers a practical way to think strategically, focus your efforts, avoid common missteps, and stress-test your ideas before they’re put into play.
