Episode 137: Building Trust—The Balance of Information and Involvement

Join us in this enlightening episode of “The 90th Percentile” as hosts BreAnne Okoren and Joe Folkman delve into the crucial dynamics of trust in leadership. We’ll explore the fine line between keeping teams informed and involving them in decision-making, backed by compelling data from Zenger Folkman’s extensive research. Through engaging stories and expert insights, discover practical strategies to foster a more transparent and trusting environment within your team. Tune in to learn how active listening, innovative communication, and valuing diversity can significantly impact trust scores and overall team cohesion.

Key Learnings

1. The Power of Transparency: Transparency in decision-making processes is crucial for maintaining trust within teams. Sharing information openly helps team members feel valued and involved, even if they are not directly part of the decision-making process.
2. Impact of Keeping Teams Informed: Research shows that managers who excel at keeping their teams informed tend to have higher trust scores. Keeping others informed is often easier and can have a more significant impact on trust than involving them in every decision.
3. Active Listening and Communication: Effective communication involves active listening. Managers who actively listen to their team members can better understand their needs and concerns, which helps in keeping everyone well-informed and engaged.
4. Innovative Information Sharing: Repeating the same information can be ineffective. Finding innovative ways to share information and using diverse communication methods can ensure that all team members stay well-informed and engaged.
5. Valuing Diversity and Seeking Feedback: Recognizing that different team members may receive and interpret information differently is important. Regularly seeking feedback helps managers communicate more effectively and build stronger trust with their teams.

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