05 Feb Does Your Team Trust You—and Each Other?
Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and this principle holds true in business as well. But do you truly have trust within your team? And more importantly, do they trust each other? In a world full of conflicting information, constant distractions, and overwhelming demands, the importance of trust in the workplace has never been clearer. As a leader, it’s crucial to assess the trust levels on your team—because trust isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for success.
Trust underpins every strong relationship, and since organizations are built on relationships, it’s reasonable to conclude that trust is fundamental for any leader to thrive. However, many leaders focus on metrics like attendance, goals, and performance without ever checking the trust level within their teams. I’d bet they’d be shocked—probably not in a good way—if they did.
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer paints a sobering picture for leaders trying to build trust. Economic pressures and a widespread sense that the system isn’t working for everyone have fueled skepticism, making it harder than ever to forge genuine connections at work. Additionally, data from Korn Ferry reveals that 38% of executives believe a lack of trust among employees threatens productivity, operational efficiency, product quality, and ultimately, profitability. Could the absence of trust be holding back your team, your company, and your success?
The importance of trust cannot be overstated. Studies show that teams that trust their leaders—and each other—are more engaged, happier to come to work, and deliver better results. These are compelling reasons to reflect on whether trust is present in your team. Could a lack of trust be the key factor preventing your team from reaching the level of success you believe is possible?
In my experience working with organizations across industries, I can say with confidence that yes, a lack of trust is often a major barrier to achieving success. But is trust the sole factor influencing your team’s results? Absolutely not. However, without a solid foundation of trust, whether between you and your team or among team members themselves, no other improvements or strategies will yield sustainable long-term results.
Trust is the bedrock of an organization’s foundation. When trust is lacking, it manifests as small cracks that weaken the entire structure. These cracks may go unnoticed at first, but once the trust erosion begins, it can lead to a ripple effect that spreads across teams, departments, and the organization as a whole. The impact is far-reaching, undermining every aspect of business performance.
So, let’s return to the original question: Does your team trust you and each other? Do they have a reason to trust you, or are there cracks in the foundation that need attention? Trust isn’t automatic—it has to be nurtured. Many leaders make the mistake of assuming that with each promotion or title change, trust is simply granted. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
Leadership expert John Maxwell identifies three key qualities that leaders must demonstrate to build trust: Competence, Character, and Connection. If you want to strengthen trust between yourself and your team, and foster trust among your team members, you must focus on these three pillars. Here’s how:
- Competence: Be the expert. Leadership 101: Know your stuff.
- Character: Show up as your best self. Regularly ask your team, “How am I doing?” Are you modeling behaviors that build trust through integrity and transparency?
- Connection: Get to know your employees, and allow them to get to know you. Trust thrives when personal connections are nurtured.
Though there’s no magic formula or business card that automatically earns trust, applying the Competence, Character, and Connection equation will help you create a culture where trust can flourish.
Trust takes time and intention to build, but the payoff is worth it. By nurturing these three qualities, you not only strengthen your leadership but also empower your team to achieve greater collaboration, productivity, and success.