Building productive teams

Building inclusivity: Why trust and respect matter

5 minutes

Imagine a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, where different backgrounds and perspectives are not just tolerated but celebrated. This inclusive environment is built on a foundation of trust and respect—a powerful connection that binds diverse teams together and allows them to grow.

What is trust?

One of the most relatable definitions of trust comes from Morton Deutsch: trust is “confidence that one will find what is desired from another, rather than what is feared.” It means believing that someone will act in a way that benefits you or, at the very least, doesn’t harm you.

When you trust someone, you feel safe relying on them because you believe they have your best interests at heart. For example, an employee trusts their leader to make decisions that are good for the team. Trust involves a degree of vulnerability because you’re counting on someone else to act favorably or at least not harmfully.

Trust is also built on mutual cooperation. When one team member helps another, there’s an understanding that this support will be reciprocated when needed. So, if a colleague assists you with a project deadline, you’re more likely to support them in the future when they face a similar challenge.

What is respect?

Albert Einstien famously said “Every kind of peaceful cooperation among men is primarily based on mutual trust and only secondary on institutions such as courts of justice and police”. Respect is recognising and valuing others, treating them fairly, and considering their perspectives. Every member of your team deserves equal amounts of respect, regardless of their position or how long they have been working for your organisation. It’s key to a peaceful workplace.

A work environment brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Respect for one another helps people to overcome differences and interact smoothly – it’s a non-negotiable element in any workforce!

Respect is what’s given when trust is earned.

The importance and benefits of trust and respect

Trust is crucial for effective teamwork. In “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” Patrick Lencioni identifies absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results as barriers to success. Building trust is the first step in overcoming these dysfunctions and creating a high-performing team. Trust allows open dialogue, healthy conflict, and true commitment to flourish, enabling teams to make firm decisions, hold each other accountable, and focus on collective goals.

The many benefits of trust and respect include:

Honest and open communication

Employees are more willing to share their unique ideas, be confident in speaking out, and engage in honest conversations about sensitive topics. For example, a leader who listens actively and responds empathetically to employee concerns demonstrates respect and builds trust.

When trust is established, team members feel safe to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of negative repercussions. This transparency is necessary for addressing issues promptly and effectively. For instance, an employee feels comfortable reporting a mistake they made because they trust that the response will be supportive and focused on finding a solution rather than assigning blame.

Team members handle conflict constructively

They feel safe to express their differences and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. Conflicts are resolved more quickly and effectively, preventing escalation and maintaining a harmonious work environment. For example, an employee feels more confident in calling out disrespectful or non-inclusive behaviour or wording because she trusts that his or her opinion will not be ignored and a solution will be worked out.

Increased productivity and efficiency

Without trust, team members may withhold information, avoid collaboration, and fail to engage fully, leading to dysfunction. Building trust involves creating a safe environment where team members feel confident that their contributions will be respected and valued. But when trust and respect are present, team members communicate more openly and honestly, reducing misunderstandings and miscommunications. Tasks are completed more efficiently, deadlines are met, and overall productivity increases due to streamlined processes and clear communication.

Breaks down barriers in diverse teams

This positive environment allows individuals to bring their authentic selves to work, knowing that their contributions will be valued based on merit and not on stereotypes or biases. This openness creates a sense of belonging and encourages everyone to participate fully to achieve team goals and initiatives.

A leader’s role in building trust and respect

All successful relationships are built on a foundation of trust. Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone – their ability to trust their team, or to help their team trust them – all begins with the leader. Encouraging open communication channels, actively listening to concerns, and addressing issues promptly are essential steps towards fostering trust among team members.

For respect, under new Positive Duty requirements, leaders are required by law to demonstrate a commitment to set standards of respectful behaviour at work and to recognise and hold people accountable for any relevant unlawful conduct at work. These new laws will go a long way toward creating workplaces that are free of sexual harassment by mandating workplaces be safe, inclusive and respectful.

To truly foster inclusion, leaders should put respect at the forefront. Everyone craves respect, and prioritising it can make communication smoother, reduce conflicts, and keep employees engaged and committed. By focusing on respect, leaders create a more positive and productive workplace where everyone feels valued.

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