Leadership is vital in building trust within a newly formed team. As a leader, you set the tone for openness, respect, and collaboration. Start by clearly defining the team’s vision, goals, and individual roles to establish a strong foundation. Lead by example—be approachable, transparent, and consistent in your actions and decisions. Actively listen to team members and value their input, fostering a sense of belonging. Create opportunities for team bonding through shared activities and quick wins to build rapport. Address conflicts swiftly and fairly to reinforce trust. Strong leadership inspires confidence and unity, turning a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing team.

Leadership forms the fulcrum of trust building in team. It sets the ground rules for transparency and collaboration and fosters an environment in which each member feels safe in sharing his views without being judged. It appreciates and rewards behaviours and contributions focused upon achieving outcomes which benefit the team and discourages behaviours rooted in prejudices in contravention with the ground rules set. For building trust, a leader needs to walk the talk. If the leader is judgemental, partisan, hides crucial information and creates fierce competition among team members, trust can never be built. The key behaviours that build trust are: • Consistency in words and action • Transparency • Fairness • Freedom to express ideas

To establish effective leadership and build trust, one must possess comprehensive knowledge, strong listening skills, and the ability to connect with others.

Building trust in a new team starts with leadership that prioritizes transparency, active listening, and mutual respect. Trust grows when leaders model consistent actions, value every team member’s input, and create a safe space for open dialogue. It’s about setting the example and ensuring accountability, both individually and as a group. "Trust in a team doesn’t grow by accident... it’s cultivated through honest conversations, shared victories, and the courage to learn together." Wishing you a rewarding, purposeful, and collaborative Friday! Chris Clevenger

1. Listen and learn from your new teammates. They bring unique skills that can be leveraged to have the team excel out of the gate. 2. Decide on your vision. What will you steer towards? 3. Decide on your mission. What will you accomplish in a shorter amount of time? 4. What values will you establish to galvanize the team and be the target for all current and future team members to follow?

When forming a new team, building trust is essential. Trust creates a foundation where team members feel supported, valued, and empowered to perform their best. Start by fostering open communication, showing genuine respect for diverse perspectives, and leading by example. Set clear expectations and follow through on commitments to establish reliability. Encourage collaboration and celebrate successes to build a sense of unity. When team members feel validated and secure, they are more likely to contribute fully and work together effectively, driving the team toward shared goals.

Building a team is all about the the vision that the leadership sets and creating an environment where people are energized to be a part of that vision. People want to contribute meaningfully. When they are given that chance, teams thrive and great things happen!

It is proven that our tendency is to hire people that are in our image. Resist that inclination and build a team that is diverse in skills, attitude and strengths. Manage that team as a unit dependent on one another for success. Allow and encourage them to share in each others efforts and accomplishments Always be on the lookout for that individual who will make a positive impact on the team

Leadership is so crucial when building a team, your team should never look at you as the head or just the boss, but as a teammate. One of my best leaders always told us she was no different than we were and anytime the work needed to be done she worked right alongside and we got it done together taco line style. It’s an inside joke, but it meant so much. She taught me how to be a successful leader, and I am forever grateful to her.

Be authentic in every respect. Do what you say you will do-always. Believe in your team members and support them. What you think of them always rises to the surface in facial expressions, moods, and actions. Always garner all sides of any disagreement before deciding how to resolve it. Provide information in a global way so as not to single an individual out when correction is needed. This feels informative and supportive instead of punitive. Celebrate successes openly.