“Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people.” 

Steven Covey

Trust is the foundation of every successful team. Without it, even the most talented group will struggle. With it, even a modestly skilled team can outperform expectations.

For example, look at sports. You can assemble a team that lacks standout talent, but if they trust each other to do their jobs, they can achieve remarkable results. On the flip side, a highly skilled team that constantly battles internal mistrust and friction will likely fall apart. Talent matters, but trust is essential.

So how do we build that trust? Here are four strategies that will strengthen trust on your team.

Communicate Openly and Honestly

As a leader, your team needs to know they can come to you with thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Creating a culture of open and honest communication is the first step toward building trust. This doesn’t mean you can share every piece of information all the time. But when your team sees you being as transparent as possible, it reassures them that you’re being honest and have their best interests in mind.

I’ve worked under a leader who practiced this consistently. They’d share what they could about the organization’s direction, even if that meant saying, “There are things I can’t share right now, but here’s what I can tell you.” That honesty built tremendous trust throughout the team.

Provide Clarity

Author Brene Brown has said “Clear is kind.” When leaders provide clarity—about expectations, vision, and goals—it removes confusion and anxiety. Think of it like flying a plane. As the leader, you’re in the cockpit with full visibility. Your team, the passengers, only sees a sliver of the horizon. When you clearly communicate the direction, it creates a sense of calm and builds trust.

Clarity isn’t just about instructions—it’s about making sure your team understands the why behind what they’re doing.

Connect on Common Ground

Your team members are more than just employees. They’re people with families, hobbies, and stories. Taking time to learn about them beyond their job roles shows that you care because people are more likely to trust those who genuinely care about them.
When I worked with young athletes, I’d talk with them about life outside of sports. That simple effort to connect built stronger relationships and deeper trust. You’d be surprised how often you find common interests that strengthen your bond as a team.

Give Them Freedom to Decide

Nobody likes being micromanaged. Giving your team freedom within clear boundaries shows trust—and earns it in return. Someone taught me 10-80-10 principle which I share often: Spend 10% on the front end giving direction and defining success. Let them own the middle 80% and figure out the “how.” Then spend the final 10% offering feedback and perspective to help them level up.

When you delegate authority (not just tasks), you empower your team. That empowerment deepens trust.

How are you doing in these four areas? Open communication, clarity, connection, and empowerment can radically transform your team’s trust—and performance. Need help thinking into your leadership? Contact me to schedule a powerful coaching session to help you take your leadership to a level of deeper trust. Keep building trust and lead well.