If there’s one ingredient that underpins every high-performing team, it’s trust. Not flashy tech, not trendy job titles, not even pizza Fridays (although, let’s be honest, they don’t hurt). Trust is the quiet force behind collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
In a recent episode of the Work Wonders podcast, we took a deep dive into trust—what it is, why it matters, how to build it, and yes, how to repair it when things go wrong.
Trust isn’t about everyone being best mates. It’s about knowing your colleagues will do what they say they’ll do. That they’ll own their mistakes, act with integrity, and support the shared mission of the team.
Think of a workplace like a sports team. You don’t have to like everyone on the field, but you do need to trust that your teammate will be where they say they’ll be when the ball comes flying their way.
You might not see it written on the walls, but you can feel it. It’s in the way people speak up without fear. It’s the way feedback is shared openly. It’s the lack of blame and the presence of consistent follow-through.
You won’t find:
Instead, you’ll notice:
Trust doesn’t happen overnight. It takes:
And if trust is broken? Rebuilding it means acknowledging the issue, taking ownership, and doing the hard work of repair. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
When trust is present, everything else gets easier: communication, performance, feedback, innovation. And when it’s missing? Even the basics feel like a struggle.
So, ask yourself: Do your employees trust you? Do you trust them?
If you’re not sure, it might be time to have a conversation.
Want help building more trust in your team? Reach out to the Aster HR team for support that meets you where you are.
