Laura Martina

What Does Building Trust Actually Look Like

When I talk with leaders, one theme comes up again and again: trust.

Whether it's trust that a team member will follow shifting protocols or trust that leadership is guiding the organization in the right direction, trust is at the heart of everything we do.

Here's the thing: trust isn't built overnight.

Nor is there a one-size-fits-all process to implement. Every team is different, every team member is different, and so are the ways they experience trust. Some thrive with more independence, while others need frequent check-ins and intentional time.

In this post, we'll break down practical ways to strengthen trust within your team, common mistakes to avoid, and mindset shifts that will help you build trust through authenticity and credibility.

What does building trust actually look like?

Trust is essential, but building and maintaining it can feel overwhelming, especially when every team member has different needs and expectations.

The good news? You don't have to spend time guessing or trying to figure out where to start. The best place to start is by reflecting on your actions and communication.

Follow-through matters more than you think.

One of the quickest ways to erode trust is failing to follow through on what you've promised. Even small, unintentional slips, like forgetting to communicate a status update, can create doubt.

Trust is built on consistent, reliable actions that show your team they can count on you to do what you say you will do.

Takeaway:

Commit to small but meaningful actions you can follow through on. Whether it's confirming a protocol update or giving a quick progress recap after a meeting, commit to actions you can reasonably deliver on.

Think about what is within your control to deliver. These small actions reinforce that your team can count on you when it's within your control.

Trust isn't built by friendliness alone.

It's easy to assume that being friendly automatically builds trust. But real trust is about honesty, transparency, and authenticity, even when the conversation is difficult.

Your team will trust you more when they know they'll get the truth, even when it hurts, as long as it's delivered with kindness and respect.

Takeaway: Strive to be kind and honest. Share your intentions, explain your decisions, and show your team that they matter.

Common beliefs that can hold you back:

Here are some common limiting beliefs I hear from leaders, and the truths that counter them:

  • "People are naturally distrustful of leaders."

Truth: Trust grows when leaders model transparency, honesty, and vulnerability.

  • "I'm too new to be trusted."

Truth: Trust isn't about tenure. It's about showing consistent, authentic actions from day one.

  • "My mistakes will make people lose trust in me."

Truth: When you own your mistakes and learn from them, it actually builds trust. You show your team how to be accountable and create a culture where it's safe to grow, sometimes fail, and always improve.

Takeaway:

Don't let past experiences with broken trust convince you that you can't build it as a leader. Trust starts with you. When you lead with transparency, accountability, and consistency, others will follow.

3 small steps to build trust that lasts today:

1. Reflect on Your Leadership Style

Take a moment to assess your habits. Are you consistent? Do you follow through?

2. Share Your Intentions

Let your team know when you're working toward an outcome and ask for their accountability. When your team understands your "why," they're more likely to stay engaged and invested.

3. Ask for Feedback

Feedback can feel tricky, especially with new teams. But building trust starts on day one. Whether it's an anonymous form or a one-on-one conversation, show your team that their input matters and that you're open to growth.

Whether you've been in this profession for one day or ten years, it is never too late to build the trust you need to succeed.