Rebuilding Bridges: Strategies for Repairing Trust with Your Team

As a senior leader, you know the power of trust. It's the foundation of a strong team, fostering collaboration, open communication, and high performance. But what happens when trust breaks down between you and a team member? It can be a daunting situation, but navigating it with honesty and empathy can pave the way for repair and renewed collaboration.

Here are some strategies to help you rebuild trust when the ground beneath your leadership has shifted:

1. Acknowledge the Issue

Don't brush it under the rug. Ignoring the problem will only prolong the damage. Schedule a private conversation with the team member and acknowledge the breakdown of trust. Listen actively and empathetically to their concerns without judgment.

2. Take Responsibility

As the leader, you set the tone. Own your part in the situation, even if you disagree with their perspective. This doesn't mean admitting fault, but rather demonstrating your willingness to understand and learn.

3. Focus on Understanding, Not Defending

Resist the urge to defend your actions. Instead, focus on understanding their perspective. Ask clarifying questions and actively listen to their feelings. This shows you value their opinion and are genuinely interested in rebuilding trust.

4. Repair the Damage

Once you understand the root cause, work together to find solutions. This might involve addressing specific concerns, establishing clearer communication channels, or implementing new processes. Be open to compromise and show your commitment to change.

5. Be Transparent and Consistent

Communicate openly and honestly about your efforts to rebuild trust. Be consistent in your actions and follow through on your commitments. This shows your team you're serious about creating a positive change.

6. Seek External Support

If the situation feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek external support from a coach or mediator. They can provide a neutral perspective and facilitate productive conversations.

7. Rebuild Slowly and Patiently

Remember, trust takes time to rebuild. Don't expect overnight miracles. Be patient, consistent, and open to setbacks. Celebrate small wins and focus on progress, not perfection.

Leading through a breakdown of trust requires courage, humility, and a genuine desire to connect. By implementing these strategies, you can foster healing, rebuild trust, and ultimately emerge with a stronger, more resilient team. Remember, leading with vulnerability and transparency can be the most powerful tool you have in navigating challenging situations.

Leadership Practice

How’s trust between you and your team? Take a moment to acknowledge the issue and consider when you can schedule a time to discuss it with your team or a specific team member. How will you address the problem and create space for feedback this week?

About Athena

Athena Williams, Founder and CEO of Tenacious Leadership Institute, has been supporting leaders worldwide to become more tenacious for over 20 years. She has found that tenacity is the key to sustained leadership success in today’s ever-changing world. Through her coaching and leadership development programs, she helps leaders expertly handle change, complexity and other challenges so they can quickly get better results for themselves, their teams and their organizations. Take the first step to becoming a tenacious leader by scheduling a call with us.