As a new leader, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is to build trust within your teams. Without it, even the best teams can struggle.
So, how do you build trust right from the start? In this blog, we’ll break down what makes trust so important in leadership and share three simple strategies to help you build it with your team.
Why Trust Matters in Leadership
Trust is the glue that holds teams together. When your team trusts you, they’re more likely to be open, honest, and work well together.
It also helps people feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and even admit when something goes wrong. Without it, communication suffers, productivity dips, and team morale takes a hit.
On a deeper level, trust is tied to our basic need for safety. As humans, we all want to feel secure, especially at work. When your team knows they can rely on you, they feel more comfortable and confident. This sense of security is what allows teams to truly thrive.
So, how can you build this kind of trust as a new leader? Let’s dive into three key strategies.
3 Strategies to Build Trust in Teams
Trust starts with you. If you want your team to trust you, you’ve got to show them you’re trustworthy through your actions. Here are three ways to help you do this:
1. Lead by Example
Think about it—people are more likely to trust someone who walks the talk. When your actions match your words, it builds confidence and gets rid of anxiety within the team. Your team feels they can rely on you, and that creates a sense of stability.
That’s why it’s important to be open about your decisions and actions. Commit today to follow through on one promise or deadline. It could be as simple as responding to emails or being on time for meetings.
2. Communicate Openly and Often
As a new leader, it’s important to encourage clear and honest communication. When you keep your team in the loop and encourage them to share their thoughts, you build an open environment. This helps avoid misunderstandings and makes everyone feel included.
A good way to start small is to schedule a quick one-on-one with each team member this week. Use this time to listen to their concerns, provide feedback, and share any updates. Regular check-ins make your team feel heard and valued, strengthening trust and communication.
3. Empower Your Team
Trust isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you let your team do. Empowering your team gives your team the freedom to make decisions; you’re basically showing them that you trust them. This not only boosts their confidence but also motivates them to take more ownership of their work.
To start, look for one task you can delegate today. Choose something that aligns with a team member’s strengths, and let them take the lead. It’s important to let them work on their own, but be available if they need help. This balance of trust and support helps your team thrive.
By leading by example, communicating openly, and empowering your team, you set the stage for lasting trust and collaboration.
Conclusion
Building trust as a new leader is essential for creating a strong, high-performing team. Remember, trust isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through consistent actions and a genuine commitment to your team’s success.
Start with these strategies, and you’ll see your team grow stronger, more united, and more confident under your leadership.
For more leadership development tips, follow my TikTok or check out my podcast, Next-Gen Leaders.
Until next time, keep striving, growing, and leading with purpose
