Trust_and_Relationships

Trust and Relationships When working in teams, is trust assumed or do team members have to earn trust' Consider how trust is lost when working in teams and how to keep trust among team members. In the workplace trust is definitely assumed but, in order to maintain trust among team members it must be earned. I believe teams are formed with a certain level of trust that is assumed and therefore can be proven otherwise. People embrace team projects with the belief that each team member will contribute in an effective manner. The key factor to a successful team is collaboration and having the willingness to play complementary roles. Sometimes the roles will be to lead or follow but always to focus on maximizing the teams’ efforts to achieve success. It is critical for team members to earn trust as the team dynamic continues to grow. When trust is earned it can be a precious gift for all involved. The basis for a set of people to come together as a team is usually trust and sharing a common goal. The journal of social psychology describes that trust can proceed through three distinctive categories: predictability, dependability and faith. I agree with this description because these categories display the process of trust. In the beginning stages of teamwork each member predicts everyone will be working at an exemplary level. When team projects are assigned teammates are dependant on each other to work together and complete assignments on a timely matter. Expressing faith will create positive relationships and motivate the team towards constructive collaborations. “ When it comes to teamwork, trust is a key component to keep the team working together productively. “We all rely on beliefs about ourselves, those around us, and the likely course of our interactions to navigate our social worlds. Of these beliefs, perhaps few are as central as those guiding our decisions to trust. Trust, which we define as a psychological state comprising the intention to accept vulnerability based on positive expectations of the intentions or behavior of another, has been found to offer numerous benefits for individuals, groups and organizations. Trust can be compromised or lost when team members do not fulfill their responsibilities. For example, not showing up for schedule meetings, uncompleted assignments, selfish behavior and missing deadlines. Fragile moments will occur when trust is lost, but the team leader must encourage everyone to move forward. This can be accomplished by allowing everyone to express their opinions/ideas without evaluating and reinforcing support and respect. Of course, those who continue to place unnecessary burdens on the team must be voted off.