4 Tips to Build Team Trust

Trusting team members count on one another, keep their promises and pick up the pieces when things go wrong. Here are ways team leaders and coaches can build trust:

• Keep your word and follow through on promises made. Failing to follow through can devastate a team. Did you tell one player they would start and game and suddenly change your mind without giving proper reasons? Instantly, trust has broken down. Going back on promises will convince the team you don't take your commitments seriously.
• Share information. Be open about all issues that don't require confidentiality. When you withhold information, team members will suspect you of having a hidden agenda.
• Keep confidences about sensitive matters. Never share a team member's confidential or personal information. Not only will the player object, others will wonder if you're loose-lipped with their secrets.
• Give and receive honest feedback. Players can often see where certain plays might work when you can't. They may also be able to identify weak areas on the team. But you'll never know unless you have open dialogue. Be willing to take advice from time to time, without ceding any of your authority.