Four Common Issues that Erode Trust on a Team

In this episode, we do a deep dive into the nuances of trust issues on a team, and how they trickle down to create tension and mistrust among team members. In our conversation, we outline four common trust issues on teams and how to combat them: how special behavior can detract from productivity, why going rogue is damaging, how splinter cells can create instability, and the impact of underlying team tension. We’ll also explore the significance of investing in team leaders and the steps necessary to build a thriving team culture.

Whether you’re a team leader seeking to create a positive and high-performing culture, or an individual wanting to better navigate your professional relationships, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Enjoy!

The Importance of Trust

At Leadership Vision, we believe trust is the foundation upon which every successful team is built. We believe that trust is the hidden ingredient that fuels team performance, fostering an environment of openness, collaboration, and high productivity. But what happens when trust issues sneak in, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspicion?

Four Common Trust Issues on Teams

In our work over the years, we’ve identified four common issues that prevent trust from forming within teams: special behavior, going rogue, splinter cells, and team tension. These are problems that, when left unchecked, can erode the very foundation of your team or organization, leading to decreased productivity and team morale.

Special behavior

Special behavior refers to team members whose actions require unique management, detracting from overall productivity. This could be someone constantly on their computer, always voicing negative opinions without accountability, or simply not aligning with the team’s agreed-upon norms.

Going rogue

Going rogue is another trust issue where team members show fake commitment. They smile, nod, and agree in meetings but act on their own agenda once they step out of the room. This behavior impacts relational accountability and slowly erodes trust as it becomes apparent over time that they aren’t committed to the team’s objectives.

Splinter cells

Splinter cells represent fractured portions of the team that form alliances and follow their own agenda. These members blatantly resist the agreed-upon action plan, creating instability and imbalance. They may even develop their own set of values and practices that further alienate them from the rest of the team.

Team tension

Team tension, the last common trust issue, refers to the underlying tension between team members that leads to unresolved issues. This constant, unspoken tension creates a toxic environment that discourages open communication and collaboration, hampering the team’s overall performance.

Solutions for Building Trust

A team that cultivates trust is a team that excels because people are naturally drawn to a trusting environment. Get started with our free, downloadable worksheet to build trust on your team:

Investing in Team Leaders

Leaders play a pivotal role in creating a positive and high-performing team culture. By recognizing and addressing trust issues, they can foster an environment of trust and mutual respect, boosting team performance. To learn more about the impact of trust on personal and professional dynamics, listen to our episode from September 2023.

Trust on Your Team

Whether you’re a team leader seeking to create a positive culture or an individual looking to navigate professional relationships better, understanding trust issues and how to combat them is crucial. We would love to hear from you about trust on your team – connect with me at nathan@leadershipvisionconsulting.com.