3 Elements to Trust Others and Unlock Team Potential

Here’s the truth: To trust others isn’t just about making your life easier (though it does that). It’s about unlocking your team’s potential, building genuine relationships, and fostering a culture where people genuinely want to show up and do their best work. But if you’re someone who finds it tough to let go and trust others, you’re not alone. The good news? Trust is a skill you can practice, not some magical gift you’re born with.

Let’s use Zenger & Folkman’s Three Elements of Trust - Positive Relationships, Good Judgment/Expertise, and Consistency - as your roadmap.

If you want to trust others, you’ve got to know them. Not just their job titles or what they do on a project, but who they are as humans. When you build real relationships, it’s easier to believe in people’s intentions - and give them the benefit of the doubt.

Once a week, invite someone on your team to a 20-minute chat. No work talk - just get curious about their life, interests, and what makes them tick. If you’re remote, do it over video or even a phone call.

Flip the script and ask someone for their input on a decision you’re making. It’s a subtle way to show you value their perspective - and it helps you see their strengths up close.

For a month, keep a running list of things you notice people do well. Share your observations with them directly. “Hey, I noticed you always keep calm under pressure - how do you do that?” This builds trust both ways.

“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott (for building honest, caring relationships)

Brené Brown’s TED Talk on “The Power of Vulnerability” (seriously, everyone should watch this)

To trust others means believing they’re capable - even if their approach is different from yours. This is about letting go of control, resisting the urge to micromanage, and giving people the space to showcase their abilities.

Pick one project or task that matters (not just the low-stakes stuff) and hand it over. Be clear about the outcome, but let them figure out the “how.” Resist the urge to step in unless they ask for help or are stuck.

When someone makes a call you wouldn’t have made, pause. Ask yourself: “What strengths or knowledge did they use here? What can I learn from their approach?” Write it down if that helps.

When someone tries something new - even if it doesn’t work perfectly - recognise the effort and the thinking behind it. “I love that you tried a new approach. What did you learn?”

“Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman (on how great leaders make everyone smarter)

Harvard Business Review’s “Management Tip of the Day” (quick, practical advice)

To trust others isn’t a one-time thing. It’s built (and rebuilt) in small moments, over and over. If you want to trust others, you have to give them the chance to prove themselves reliable and notice when they do.

For one month, keep a private log of commitments your team makes. Did they follow through? If not, was there a good reason? Look for patterns, not perfection.

Pro tip: Share a summary with your team or stakeholders:

When someone drops the ball, don’t write them off. Instead, have a conversation: “What happened? What would help next time?” Give them another shot.

When someone consistently delivers, be sure to tell them. “I appreciate how you always follow through. It makes my job easier and builds my trust in you.”

“The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M.R. Covey (great for understanding how trust grows)

Any simple habit tracker app (to log team follow-through)

Building your trust in others isn’t about ignoring your instincts or pretending everyone’s perfect. It’s about giving people space to show up, make mistakes, and grow. It’s about noticing where your trust issues might be getting in the way and choosing to act differently, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Here’s your “Trust Others” Plan at a glance:

Get to know people as humans, ask for their input, spot their strengths.

Delegate real work, reflect on others’ thinking, celebrate smart risks.

Track commitments, give second chances, acknowledge reliability.

Remember: The more you practice trusting others, the more likely they are to rise to the occasion. And honestly? You’ll probably sleep better at night, too.

So, what’s one thing you’ll try this week to trust others a little more? Pick something, give it a go, and see what happens. And if you need a sounding board, you know where to find me.

Ready to take the leap? What’s your first move?

If you’re a business leader or executive who wants more than just fleeting success, let’s talk. I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to help you reconnect with your purpose, redefine what success means, and create a sustainable impact for yourself and your organisation.

Book your complimentary session today and start building a career (and life) that feels as good as it looks on paper.

Contact me at GetResults@MarkRussell.co.uk or call +44 (0) 20 8798 3433.

To your success...

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I’m passionate about inspiring people to tap into their unique talents and strengths – to be the best they can be – to fulfill the potential they always knew they had. It’s not about ‘fixing’ you. Instead, it’s about helping you access the best part of yourself so you can make the changes, release the dragons and powerfully step into your brilliance.

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Two other blogs linked to this article are 7 Steps For Transformative 360 Feedback That Boosts Performance and The Arrival Fallacy: Why Success May Not Be Enough in Business.

Get in touch TODAY by email or call my office at +44 (0)20 8798 3433.

Mark Russell Inspired Performance Coaching – Dedicated to Your Success.