Top 10 Trust Building Techniques
Here is a recent article I wrote for the Sept. 2006 magazine, “Leadership for Student Activities.” It was published in there and I wanted to share it with you, my new blogger friends.
1) Always Communicate- How often do you think that people can read your mind? Always, sometimes or never? News flash! People are not mind readers and even though we tend to think that people know what we are thinking and feeling, they do not. Therefore, it is your job as a student leader to communicate your thoughts, feelings, wishes and desires. The more you can communicate with your team, the more you can trust and understand each other.
2) Be Authentic- That is right, be you. The best way to trust each other is to know each other. In order to develop trust, you need to share your true self with your teammates. Although we might be very different, it essential to be yourself when trying to build a team based on trust and authenticity. If you try to be someone else or who people want you to be, it will be difficult to trust yourself and each other.
3) Delegate when needed- How long is your daily to-do list? Does it take you a few days rather then one to actually get through it all? Stop being a project hog and trust your teammates to help you out. Start delegating little tasks to your teammates and allow for the trust to develop. The more you can delegate and work as a team, the stronger and faster you can build the trust. Just remember, there are many ways to accomplish a task and if you delegate out, the person might meet the goal in a different way, which is not bad, it is just different.
4) Commit and always follow-through- If you are to receive and accept a task, it is your full responsibility to finish this project by the date and time that you agreed upon. By keeping your word and showing the other person that you are reliable, it allows for trust to develop and for future positive interactions to continue.
5) Apologize and make it right- In all teams, even the best, sometimes a conflict or a difference of opinions can occur and leave people upset. Rather than avoiding the conflict or thinking it will “just go away with time,” address the person or team members who are hurt and make it right as soon as possible. First, admit to any wrongdoing and then apologize for what was said or done. Then ask the other person what you can personally do to make it right. Again, remember that you are not a mind reader and should not guess what he/she wants, simply ask what you can do to make it right and then commit to making that change in the future.
6) Support each other personally and scholastically- Trusting each other in the leadership class starts with supporting each other in all areas of life. Imagine what it would be like if your senior class cabinet showed up at your sports event to support you and cheer you on. Do you think you would trust them more when it comes to planning homecoming and daily meetings? Of course you would! When you know that people are personally invested in you and care about your success and well being, you can trust them whole heartily and build the strongest team possible.
7) Treat each other like you want to be treated- I know you heard this on the kindergarten playground, it is the one rule that will always apply. If you treat your teammates with the kindness and respect that you would want and deserve, then the only outcome is trust on multiple levels.
8) Evaluate activities- After each activity take about 20 minute as a class to evaluate the actual event, the planning stages and the actual committee members who were on the planning team. The goal of the evaluation is to grow as a team and for everyone to learn what works and what can be improved upon in the future. By telling the truth and being vulnerable, as a giver or receiver of feedback, trust and improved activities are highly likely to immerge in this process.
9) Plan leadership retreats or bonding days- Have fun! Yes, laugh, smile and participate in leadership activities that teach. Whether you plan a team scavenger hunt, a high ropes course day or leadership retreat with teambuilding activities, it is important to grow as leaders and try new events that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and into the trust building zone.
10) Celebrate each others greatness- Take time during the year to celebrate the greatness of each person and the team as a whole. Continue to focus on where you want to go throughout the year and remember to look at where you are and how you have gotten there. Trust is an ongoing process and it can grow, maintain or diminish based upon our daily actions, thoughts and behaviors. Celebrate each others greatness and continue building each other up, while growing as a team and trusting each other.
Here is a recent article I wrote for the Sept. 2006 magazine, “Leadership for Student Activities.” It was published in there and I wanted to share it with you, my new blogger friends.
1) Always Communicate- How often do you think that people can read your mind? Always, sometimes or never? News flash! People are not mind readers and even though we tend to think that people know what we are thinking and feeling, they do not. Therefore, it is your job as a student leader to communicate your thoughts, feelings, wishes and desires. The more you can communicate with your team, the more you can trust and understand each other.
2) Be Authentic- That is right, be you. The best way to trust each other is to know each other. In order to develop trust, you need to share your true self with your teammates. Although we might be very different, it essential to be yourself when trying to build a team based on trust and authenticity. If you try to be someone else or who people want you to be, it will be difficult to trust yourself and each other.
3) Delegate when needed- How long is your daily to-do list? Does it take you a few days rather then one to actually get through it all? Stop being a project hog and trust your teammates to help you out. Start delegating little tasks to your teammates and allow for the trust to develop. The more you can delegate and work as a team, the stronger and faster you can build the trust. Just remember, there are many ways to accomplish a task and if you delegate out, the person might meet the goal in a different way, which is not bad, it is just different.
4) Commit and always follow-through- If you are to receive and accept a task, it is your full responsibility to finish this project by the date and time that you agreed upon. By keeping your word and showing the other person that you are reliable, it allows for trust to develop and for future positive interactions to continue.
5) Apologize and make it right- In all teams, even the best, sometimes a conflict or a difference of opinions can occur and leave people upset. Rather than avoiding the conflict or thinking it will “just go away with time,” address the person or team members who are hurt and make it right as soon as possible. First, admit to any wrongdoing and then apologize for what was said or done. Then ask the other person what you can personally do to make it right. Again, remember that you are not a mind reader and should not guess what he/she wants, simply ask what you can do to make it right and then commit to making that change in the future.
6) Support each other personally and scholastically- Trusting each other in the leadership class starts with supporting each other in all areas of life. Imagine what it would be like if your senior class cabinet showed up at your sports event to support you and cheer you on. Do you think you would trust them more when it comes to planning homecoming and daily meetings? Of course you would! When you know that people are personally invested in you and care about your success and well being, you can trust them whole heartily and build the strongest team possible.
7) Treat each other like you want to be treated- I know you heard this on the kindergarten playground, it is the one rule that will always apply. If you treat your teammates with the kindness and respect that you would want and deserve, then the only outcome is trust on multiple levels.
8) Evaluate activities- After each activity take about 20 minute as a class to evaluate the actual event, the planning stages and the actual committee members who were on the planning team. The goal of the evaluation is to grow as a team and for everyone to learn what works and what can be improved upon in the future. By telling the truth and being vulnerable, as a giver or receiver of feedback, trust and improved activities are highly likely to immerge in this process.
9) Plan leadership retreats or bonding days- Have fun! Yes, laugh, smile and participate in leadership activities that teach. Whether you plan a team scavenger hunt, a high ropes course day or leadership retreat with teambuilding activities, it is important to grow as leaders and try new events that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and into the trust building zone.
10) Celebrate each others greatness- Take time during the year to celebrate the greatness of each person and the team as a whole. Continue to focus on where you want to go throughout the year and remember to look at where you are and how you have gotten there. Trust is an ongoing process and it can grow, maintain or diminish based upon our daily actions, thoughts and behaviors. Celebrate each others greatness and continue building each other up, while growing as a team and trusting each other.
Until next time... Smiles:)
Jill
