Why Trust is Uncertainty's Shock Absorber
Trust - keeping your team grounded when everything else is changing
“A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other.”
During a recent workshop, a participant shared something that stuck with me. They said they felt completely at ease—free to share their thoughts without hesitation. That moment reinforced for me a key leadership truth: trust isn’t about authority, it’s about creating an environment where people feel seen and heard. When trust exists, people take risks, collaborate more deeply, and engage fully. That’s where real progress happens.
In an environment of constant change, trust is the foundation that holds teams together. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Trust creates stability in uncertainty, fuels innovation, and drives performance. As leaders, our role is to build spaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.
Trust Over Performance: A Lesson From Firefighting Teams
Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of high-performing teams. As Simon Sinek emphasises, trust matters more than individual skill when navigating high-pressure environments. Nowhere is this clearer than in firefighting teams, where success depends not on any one person’s capability but on the unshakable trust between teammates.
In wildfire response, every firefighter must know—without hesitation—that their team has their back. They need confidence that their colleagues will make sound decisions under extreme pressure. That’s why trust-building isn’t left to chance; it’s deliberately cultivated in training and reinforced in every mission. Leaders understand that trust enables adaptability, allowing teams to stay steady and decisive when conditions shift.
A highly skilled but untrustworthy team member can destabilise a unit, weaken cohesion, and erode performance. But when trust is strong, teams become more resilient, adaptable, and capable of handling the unknown. The same is true in leadership. In uncertain, high-stakes environments, trust isn’t just a measure of success—it’s what makes success possible.
What Happens When Trust Fades?
Without trust, even the most skilled teams struggle. Communication suffers. Innovation stalls. People hold back instead of stepping forward. Research shows that teams lacking trust experience lower engagement, higher stress, and diminished resilience. Uncertainty becomes paralysing instead of energising. In contrast, high-trust teams adapt faster, think bigger, and achieve more.
Imagine a group of acrobats performing a high-flying routine. They rely on each other, knowing that every movement is supported by trust. If that trust falters—even for a second—the whole performance collapses. Perhaps someone gets hurt. Leadership is no different. When trust is present, teams take bold leaps, knowing they won’t fall.
The Power of Trust - the Panama Canal
One of the greatest engineering feats in history—the Panama Canal—was built on more than just technical skill. It succeeded because of trust. Engineers, labourers, and leaders worked together across immense challenges, unified by a shared vision. Their trust in each other’s expertise and commitment transformed an impossible task into a world-changing achievement.
Google’s Project Aristotle found that psychological safety—built on trust—is the strongest predictor of high-performing teams. Gallup research shows that high-trust teams are up to 21% more profitable and 17% more productive and engaged.
These studies demonstrate - trust isn’t just a leadership principle—it’s a performance strategy.
How Leaders Build Trust
Trust among teams doesn’t just happen overnight. There are many things you can do as a leader over time to foster trust. Here are a few ideas.
Communicate with Clarity and Transparency – Regular, honest conversations foster a culture where people feel informed and valued. Share successes and setbacks alike.
Lead with Vulnerability – Show that you’re human. Share your experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. When leaders are real, teams respond with authenticity.
Celebrate Wins—Big and Small – Recognition strengthens trust. Acknowledge contributions openly and make it clear that every person’s effort matters.
How Strong Is Your Team’s Trust?
Take stock of where you are now in relation to trust. Ask yourself:
Am I modelling the transparency I expect from my team?
Have I created an environment where people feel safe to share ideas?
Do my daily actions reflect my commitment to trust and growth?
What is one step I can take today to strengthen trust within my team?
Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating conditions where people can thrive. When trust is strong, teams become adaptable, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.
What’s one small shift you can make today to deepen trust in your leadership? That one shift might just change everything.
