Building trust is at the heart of effective leadership and coaching. It’s a skill that’s vital for success, especially in today’s dynamic workplaces, and it’s a skill that can be honed and mastered over time. I recently talked with an experienced coach about how trust and communication are connected, especially for new leaders trying to build trust with their teams Here’s a breakdown of our discussion and some actionable tips for you to consider:

Building Trust and Charisma: 
Establishing trust begins with being approachable and authentic. As new leaders, it’s essential to show sincerity and openness in your interactions with team members right from the beginning. This helps set a foundation of trust and encourages open communication from the start.

Practice active listening and ask thoughtful, open-ended questions during initial team meetings. Demonstrating a genuine interest in your team members’ perspectives and experiences can go a long way in building trust and rapport.

Building Trust Takes Time
Trust isn’t something that happens in an instant; it grows slowly over time. For new leaders, it’s important to see building trust as a journey, not a quick fix. Being there for your team, being honest, and showing you can be relied upon are all part of this journey.

Foster transparency by sharing insights and experiences gradually, allowing team members to get to know you and understand your leadership style over time.

Communication Strategies for Building Trust
Effective communication is foundational to trust-building. New leaders must prioritize clear, precise communication coupled with authenticity and openness. This helps create trust and lets everyone know what to expect from each other in the future.

Practice mindful communication by being intentional about what you say and how you say it, making sure your words and actions reflect your true intentions and values as a leader.

Showing You Care
Genuine care and empathy are foundational to trust-building. New leaders must show empathy and concern for team members’ well-being, both verbally and non-verbally, to establish trust from the outset.

Show empathy by recognizing how your team members feel and letting them know their experiences matter, especially during initial team interactions. 

Continuous Improvement
Building trust through communication is all about keeping on learning and improving. New leaders should regularly evaluate their communication efforts, seek feedback from team members, and implement changes to enhance trust-building skills over time.

Schedule regular check-ins with team members to ask how you’re doing with communication and leading, and be ready to make changes based on their input. 

In conclusion, effective communication is the bedrock of trust-building in new leadership roles. By being real, listening well, and showing you care, new leaders can build strong connections and lead your team to success right from the start.  And remember, building trust isn’t a destination but a journey—it’s an ongoing process that takes time, effort, and a willingness to get better.

As you start your journey as a new leader, try using these practical tips in your communication. You’ll see your relationships thrive and trust grow stronger right from the get-go.