Here's how you can establish trust and credibility with your startup team as a leader.

Integrity under fire — When the going gets tough, that's when true integrity shines. I’d date saying that it's pretty easy to stick to principles when things are smooth, but the real test comes during crises. As an entrepreneur, you must uphold your core values even when it feels like the world is against you. This commitment to integrity, especially in challenging times, not only defines your character but also builds unshakeable trust with your team. I have learnt through direct feedback that they’re not just watching how you celebrate wins but also how you handle defeats.

Go on podcasts and talk to as many folks as possible. Speak your mind, test hypotheses and correct course. Read clean content and write opinions, and get feedback. You'll develop a keen mind and people will want to speak to you.

You hired a skilled and experienced person. Move out of their way. Let them do their thing. Trust them. Enable them. Equip them. Trust them… oh I said that… connect them. Be connected. Trust them.

To build trust and credibility with our startup team i believe we need to be transparent, communicate openly & lead with integrity. Show genuine interest in their ideas, provide consistent support and recognize their achievements. Foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and aligned with the company’s vision.

Open communication is essential for establishing credibility. Actively listen to your staff and encourage them to express their thoughts, demonstrating that you value their feedback. This encourages a collaborative environment and improves decision-making. Give positive and consistent feedback to help your team grow. Clear, consistent communication reduces misconceptions and reassures your colleagues about your leadership abilities. Maintaining openness builds trust and coherence within your startup.

Open communication is absolutely critical in a Startup environment. Given the speed of operation, as well as the likely need to pivot on a dime, if everybody is not completely up to date with what's happening then you will likely either lose staff or cause confusion when the need to change arises. Create a cadence of regular communication such as daily standups, weekly 1on1s and monthly retros to ensure everybody knows what is important and what their focus should be.

I prioritize open communication, making it a point to be transparent about our goals, challenges, and decision-making processes. Regular team meetings and an open-door policy ensure everyone feels informed and involved. By sharing both successes and setbacks openly, I foster a culture of honesty and mutual respect.

Transparent and open communication is key for any organisation but even more so in a Startup, where there is usually less than 20 employees. If you're not communicating all challenges and successes clearly and openly then you'll foster distrust and likely see your best employees leaving. By providing regular updates on progress and direction, as well as regular opportunities for feedback, you set yourself up for success and growth.

"Hire great people and then get out of their way" What's the point in hiring people who are really great at what they do if you then don't let them take ownership? Startups need great people to succeed, particularly in the early days, so hire them and then let them be a big part of your success!

Empowering your team increases trust substantially. Give them the authority to make judgments within their responsibilities, demonstrating trust in their talents. Opportunities for study and development will help them advance in their careers. When team members feel empowered, they are more engaged, driven, and trusting in your leadership. This sense of value and respect creates a happy and productive work atmosphere, propelling your startup to success.

Empowering my team is essential for fostering innovation and ownership. I delegate responsibilities and trust my team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise. This approach not only boosts their confidence but also encourages them to take initiative and contribute more creatively to our projects.

Acknowledging and rewarding my team's efforts is a cornerstone of my leadership. I celebrate both big wins and small milestones, whether through formal recognition, bonuses, or simply a heartfelt thank you. This practice boosts morale, motivates my team, and reinforces a culture of appreciation and hard work.

Establish trust and credibility with your startup team by demonstrating integrity, transparency, and consistency in your actions and decisions. Communicate openly, listen actively, and empathize with team members' perspectives and concerns. Lead by example, setting high standards of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct. Encourage autonomy, empower team members, and recognize their contributions. Provide support, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Foster a positive work environment built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared vision for success.

Consistency in my actions and decisions is vital for building trust. I ensure that my behavior aligns with our startup’s values and that my decisions are fair and predictable. This reliability helps create a stable and trusting environment where my team feels secure and confident in their roles.

Showing vulnerability by sharing my own challenges and uncertainties helps humanize my leadership. I openly discuss my struggles and seek input from my team, which fosters a culture of mutual support and trust. This transparency encourages others to be honest about their own difficulties, promoting a more cohesive and resilient team.

It takes small steps to build and grow a successful team! Trust and credibility are key to joining and staying in any team. As a founder, how can you offer that to your team? • Promote open communication • Respect your team members • Show appreciation for thoughts and feedback shared • Promote an initiative-taking culture • Hold people accountable • Allow failures and mishaps Hope this helps!