A team that trusts its leader is typically more productive, innovative, and successful. Team meetings provide an opportunity for a leader to practice and demonstrate the following four behaviors that build trust:
- Plan ahead. Communicate in advance of meetings by providing an agenda and the list of who’s invited. This tells participants what to expect and sets the expectation that everyone come prepared, focused, and energized.
- Welcome people into the conversation or room by name. Be ready in advance of any interaction. Don’t come late or even just on time to your own meeting. Don’t be distracted or multi-tasking as people join. Show them that the conversation is important and has your full attention.
- Do a check-in or intros at the beginning of a meeting. Ask each attendee to say their name, position, and role if they don’t normally work together. Also, ask them to share something more human or personal. What has your attention today? What’s your favorite food? Any question or comment you have about the agenda? This gets the discussion started in a way that says, “Each person here matters, and I want to hear what you have to say.”
- Actively encourage people to participate. You could say something like, “I want everyone to feel comfortable to speak up.” Or, “Let me know if you have another idea.” You could ask questions such as: “What do you think of that? Do you think that will work? What do you think others will say about that?”