The Formula for Increasing or Restoring Trust in Your Team by Zach Biddle

 Over the course of his career as an organizational expert, Zach Biddle of San Diego observed the dynamics of numerous team connections. In times of crisis, how can you tell the difference between a team that performs well and one that fails? A good work culture is built on trust. In the face of a crisis, executives may ask what went wrong with their trust-building measures, which are often only short-term fixes. It takes time to create and repair trust. Zach reckons there are many levels of trust, and it's a never-ending journey to achieve them.

Is it possible for a leader to build or restore trust?

* Recognize The Diversity Factor: The terms "propensity to trust" and "degree of risk" are difficult to define since they represent a person's unique combination of life experiences, education, family history, genetics, culture, and the physical environment in which they were raised. Being aware of these underlying forces at work enables you to focus on team member actions that stand out and need to be resolved quickly to prevent a breakdown in trust.

* Show That You Are Trustworthy By Acting Like It: According to Mikel Biddle, the trust factor history you build will matter when you need your team to believe in you. It is commonly illustrated by employer-employee relationships. Employees who have had a bad experience with a bully supervisor in the past are skeptical of all bosses. The present employer has to work hard to earn back their confidence by behaving in a way that gradually changes their perspective.

* Reaffirm Your Commitment To Your Core Principles: As a team leader, you undoubtedly have your own set of values that you strive to live up to. The integrity of these ideals is jeopardized when trust is violated. Zach Middle says our values act as a guide for our behavior and a means of self-monitoring when we get off track. Keep an eye on your core principles as you work to restore confidence in yourself and others. 

In the event that your team's trust has been shattered or broken, the effort of rebuilding it is likely to be emotionally and physically exhausting. It is essential to have the patience and will to persevere. To reiterate, it will not be simple, but the effort will be well worth it.

When it comes to building trust, how can you find out what elements someone uses? Ask around!

* Communicate: Gather a group or go one-on-one with the purpose of discussing trust. The much-experimented trust formula can act as a guide to get started. Establish ground rules to ensure open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect among all parties. Ask questions regarding the trust factors without responding or making any judgments. Which ones can you relate to? Which ones are the exceptions? An important part of being successful is being willing to experiment without expecting any particular outcome. This is the beginning of a new, more trusting relationship.