Mutual Trust

Consistency and honesty are key...

A climate of mutual trust is essential in a high-performing team--each member of the team needs to know they can depend on the others. Successful managers build mutual trust by creating a climate of openness in which employees are free to discuss problems without fear of retaliation. They are approachable and respectful and listen to team members' ideas and develop a reputation of being fair, objective, and impartial in their treatment of others.

Consistency and honesty are key, so they avoid erratic an unpredictable behavior and always follow through on any explicit or implied promises they make. Communication is at the heart of building and maintaining mutual interdependence between members of a team. Managers of high-performing teams keep team members informed about upper-management decisions and policies and give accurate feedback on their performance. They are also open and candid about their own problems and limitations.

ACTION POINT: Establish an atmosphere of mutual trust with your team.