We asked our network in a LinkedIn poll what they considered the most critical factor in maximising team performance, and 69% of voters stated that Trust and Psychological safety was the top priority. It is evident that psychological safety has become critical for maximising team performance and achieving success.
Trust and open communication are central to this concept. Transparent communication is the foundation upon which trust is built, and together, these elements foster an environment where team members feel secure and supported.
The Importance of Trust and Open Communication.
Trust is not just a feel-good concept; it’s a measurable driver of team success. A study conducted by Google’s Project Aristotle, which analysed hundreds of their own teams, identified psychological safety as the most critical factor in high-performing teams. At the heart of psychological safety are trust and open communication. Trust allows team members to rely on one another and take calculated risks without fear of negative consequences. Open communication, characterised by transparency and honesty, reinforces this trust by ensuring all team members are on the same page and feel valued.
When transparent communication is practised consistently, it becomes the bedrock of trust within a team. This transparency enables team members to freely share ideas and feedback, knowing their contributions will be respected and considered. Transparent communication, in turn, leads to better decision-making, enhanced creativity, and stronger team cohesion.
Strategies for Building and Maintaining Trust Within a Team
Building trust within a team is an ongoing process requiring intentional effort from leaders and team members. Here are three strategies to consider implementing:
Consistency in Actions and Words
Trust is built on reliability. One of the most effective ways to build trust is through consistency. Leaders who consistently align their actions with their words create an environment where team members know what to expect. It creates a sense of reliability and predictability within the team. This predictability is crucial in building trust, as it reassures team members that their leader is dependable and committed to the team’s success. Consistency also extends to how leaders respond to challenges and opportunities. By consistently upholding values and principles, leaders reinforce the trust placed in them by their teams.
Transparency and Honesty
Transparency is another critical factor in building trust. Leaders who are open about their decision-making processes, challenges, and expectations foster an environment where team members feel informed and valued. Even in difficult situations, honesty strengthens trust by showing that the leader is willing to confront challenges head-on and communicate openly. Admitting mistakes and showing vulnerability as a leader can also deepen trust, as it humanises the leader and demonstrates a commitment to growth and improvement.
Fairness and Equity
Trust is also reinforced through fairness. Research from Gallup shows that employees who feel they are treated fairly are 5.4 times more likely to be engaged at work. Leaders who demonstrate fairness in their decisions and actions, whether recognising contributions, allocating resources, or providing opportunities, signal to their team that everyone is valued equally. This sense of equity strengthens trust and encourages a more collaborative and supportive team environment.
Techniques for Leaders to Create a Dialogue-Friendly Workplace
Creating a workplace where open communication is the norm requires intentional practices and a commitment to fostering dialogue. Here are some techniques leaders can use to encourage open communication:
Active Listening
Active listening is a powerful tool for fostering open communication. Research from the Center for Creative Leadership highlights that leaders who listen effectively are seen as more trustworthy and approachable. Active listening involves:
- Entirely focusing on the speaker.
- Asking clarifying questions.
- Reflecting on what has been said.
When leaders practice active listening, they show their team members that their opinions matter, encouraging more open and honest communication.
Encouraging Open Feedback
Feedback is essential for continuous improvement and trust-building. A study by Zenger Folkman found that employees who receive regular feedback have higher levels of engagement and are 60% more productive. Leaders can create a feedback-rich environment by regularly soliciting input from their team members, providing constructive feedback, and following up on the feedback received. When feedback becomes a normal part of the workplace culture, team members are more likely to communicate openly and work collaboratively towards common goals.
Building a Culture of Psychological Safety
Leaders play a crucial role in creating a culture of psychological safety. Techniques such as
- Encouraging openness through regular check-ins, where team members can share their thoughts and concerns in a safe space, effectively fosters open communication.
- Implementing anonymous feedback channels can also help team members feel more comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of judgment.
- Leaders who model vulnerability and transparency build trust, showing that mistakes are growth opportunities.
- Promoting collaboration and inclusivity ensures all voices are heard, contributing to a supportive atmosphere.
- Addressing sensitive issues
By prioritising psychological safety, leaders lay the groundwork for trust and open communication to flourish. These practices contribute to a more positive and supportive workplace culture and drive higher engagement, innovation, and team performance.
Case Studies of Teams That Successfully Implemented Trust-Building Practices
Case Study 1: The Impact of Transparent Leadership
In one Fortune 500 company, a leader faced the challenge of implementing a significant organisational change. Instead of making unilateral decisions, the leader opted for transparency, regularly updating the team on the process, sharing the reasons behind the changes, and inviting input at every stage. This approach built trust and empowered team members to contribute ideas and solutions. The result was a smoother transition with higher employee engagement and morale, demonstrating the power of transparent communication in building trust.
Case Study 2: Creating a Feedback-Rich Environment
In a mid-sized tech company, the leadership team recognised poor communication hindered innovation. To address this, they implemented regular feedback sessions and encouraged team members to share their thoughts and suggestions openly. Leaders made a point of acting on the feedback received and communicating the changes that were made as a result. Over time, this practice led to a more open and collaborative culture, with team members feeling more valued and motivated to contribute. The company saw a notable increase in both productivity and employee satisfaction.
The Long-Term Benefits of Trust and Open Communication in Fostering Psychological Safety
Trust and open communication are not just buzzwords but the cornerstones of a psychologically safe workplace. When leaders prioritise these elements, they create an environment where team members feel valued, heard, and supported. The long-term benefits of fostering trust and open communication include higher team cohesion, increased innovation, and reduced turnover. By investing in these practices, leaders can build strong, resilient teams equipped to navigate challenges and achieve success together.
If you want to empower your leaders with the skills to create a psychologically safe culture, our Elevate and Emerging Leaders development programs are here to help. These programs and workshops provide the strategies, knowledge, and tools to foster trust, open communication, and inclusivity within your teams. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your organization’s leadership journey and help your teams thrive.
