Trust, at its core, is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. It’s a powerful tool for success in the workplace but challenging to earn and easy to lose. While general trust is essential, diving deeper into vulnerability-based trust can truly strengthen your team or relationships.
What is Vulnerability-Based Trust?
Pioneered by experts like Brene Brown and Patrick Lencioni, vulnerability-based trust involves team members feeling safe enough to be open and vulnerable with each other, regardless of the circumstances. This type of trust in the workplace goes beyond merely relying on each other; it requires exposing one’s fears, emotions, and weaknesses for the greater good.
Understanding Vulnerability-Based Trust
Imagine you’re in a team meeting and don’t fully grasp the topic being discussed. Asking for clarification or admitting your confusion exemplifies vulnerability-based trust in the workplace. Many people might nod in agreement to avoid revealing their lack of understanding, but true trust involves being open communicating about these uncertainties.
Building a team based on this deeper trust can lead to exceptional collaboration and success. Here’s how you can cultivate vulnerability-based trust within your team:
How to Create Vulnerability-Based Trust
1. Leaders Lead Trust: Demonstrate openness and honesty. Your team will follow your example.
2. Ask More Questions: Foster an inquisitive environment. Encourage questions rather than simply giving instructions.
3. Encourage Safety: Create a judgement-free environment where team members feel safe expressing themselves.
4. Fail Forward: Normalize mistakes and encourage learning from them. Growth comes from moving forward, even after failures.
5. Provide Feedback: Regular, constructive feedback is crucial for continuous improvement.
6. Protect Confidence: Ensure both confidence and confidentiality are maintained within the team.
Leading with compassion and empathy is essential for creating the right environment for vulnerability-based trust. Remember, this concept is not limited to top-down dynamics; trust can be broken from the bottom-up if not everyone respects and values this openness.
Importance of Building Trust
Building vulnerability-based trust can make you and your team stronger. However, it’s important to ensure that everyone is committed to this approach and that your team culture supports it. Vulnerability can leave you exposed, so it’s crucial to double-check that your team is on the same page.Root your team in vulnerability-based trust, encourage frequent and honest communication, and watch as your team thrives and realizes its vision. Need help? Learn more about our expertise.
