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Takes time to build trust, and your actions have to match your words. We joke that my department is group therapy because so many of my people came over with work-related trauma. I told them I would always back them up and discuss any problems in private. I also asked them how they preferred to be recognized (group email, privately, group chat)
I’ve always told my team that any mistake they’ve made, I’ve done it before. We are all human, but please don’t hide it and don’t worry or stress about it, let’s fix it and figure out what we can put in place to keep it from happening again. I am also of the philosophy of there are no stupid questions, just stupid people who don’t ask questions.
Loving these ideas and perspectives - really appreciate it all!
There are a couple things that have worked for me in the past.
First is follow through - if they can trust you’ll do what you say, then that builds the foundation.
Second, is don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know - lead by example, if you want them feel open then you have to be open. My favorite phrase is “let’s learn together”.
Third is team building - I have done quick virtual lunches that include games, get to know you, crafting, or anything else fun for 30 minutes and I fund the lunch and activity. Another alternative is coffee chats - no work talk at all! Just exchange stories for 15 minutes. Having these on a quarterly cadence, one on one and also in groups, really helps elevate their trust. I think the recurring cadence of these is important because structure leads back to the first point - trust that you follow through.
I like the “let’s learn together”. There are many times when one of my team has a question and we venture down the rabbit hole together…
Coach
This will take time. I totally commend you for the honorable approach!!! More teams need leaders like you! In my experience it just takes time... and instances to prove that you live out what you preach and that you are a manager and a leader that is there to empower and teach and help grow and NOT to reprimand. You will gain that trust, just keep your endurance up and keep doing what you know is right with your teams!