Leap of Faith: Trust Your Team to Soar Beyond Limits

Every leader dreams of guiding a powerful team that can tackle challenges, innovate solutions, and thrive even under pressure. But what if the very essence that binds your team together is laced with mistrust? If you don’t trust your team, it’s time to reconsider your role as a leader.

Many leaders claim they trust their teams, yet when action is needed, they often tighten their grip, fearing the loss of control. Control may feel comforting, but trust unleashes far greater power and potential.

Team Leader's and Team Members' Trust Leadership are Two Way Road, photo by Yan Krukau

Mistrust: The Silent Killer of Teams

Mistrust destroys more teams than failure ever will.

Micromanaging stifles talent. Imagine a talented employee with a fresh idea being questioned constantly by a leader who doesn’t trust their judgment. This can feel like trying to water a plant with just a teardrop, leaving your team to wither instead of grow. A study by Gallup found that 70% of employees felt stressed due to micromanagement, leading to lower productivity.

Suspicion slows execution. When a leader lacks trust in their team, members start second-guessing their decisions. For instance, a simple project that should take a week may drag on for months due to incessant doubt and second-guessing.

Leaders who struggle with trust should not be surprised when their team does not reciprocate. Trust is not given freely; it's built through consistent actions.

Radical Trust: The Key to Unstoppable Teams

In contrast, radical trust is akin to sunlight breaking through clouds.

With trust, confidence radiates within the team. A culture based on trust can lead to stunning outcomes. For example, companies that foster trust experience 50% higher employee retention and 86% higher employee engagement.

When trust is present, decisions are made swiftly. There is no time wasted in doubt, which propels progress far beyond what endless meetings could. A team that trusts each other can accomplish tasks 30% faster than one plagued by insecurity.

Successful teams are not afraid to stumble; they leap without safety nets. With trust backing their actions, they approach challenges with both bravery and inventiveness.

Letting Go: The True Essence of Leadership

Leadership is not about control—it revolves around letting go.

Growth demands risk. A leap of faith may feel intimidating, but without it, stagnation is unavoidable.

Autonomy fosters ownership. When team members feel empowered to make decisions, they view their work as something more than just a job. They act like they are leading their own projects. A survey revealed that employees who felt they had autonomy were 43% more likely to be satisfied in their roles.

Delegation reveals capabilities. When leaders step back and allow their teams to take charge, they often discover the hidden strengths and talents of their members.

The Travis Pastrana Principle: Trust in Action

Have you ever asked yourself, “Would you jump without a parachute?”

If you can't take that leap, how can you expect your team to? Fear spreads faster than confidence, and if leaders display uncertainty, it permeates the entire team.

Often, leaders find it challenging to trust their teams with even small tasks, such as meeting deadlines. This lack of trust is a primary reason for declining team morale. During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies that maintained high levels of trust were able to adapt and thrive, while others faltered.

Take a cue from Travis Pastrana—a man who has trusted his team with his life in extreme sports. His unwavering faith in his crew serves as a powerful reminder of how commitment to trust can propel a team forward.

The Choice: Build Trust or Break Your Team

Consider this: If your team wouldn’t catch you mid-air, you are not leading—you are managing.

You have a pivotal choice: build trust or risk dismantling your team.

Teams do not form under pressure; they develop through mutual belief. When leaders express faith in their teams, they cultivate a collective sense of purpose that transcends challenges.

Managing may seem like a safe strategy for survival, but genuine leadership is about transformation.

Empowering Conclusion

Leadership without trust is merely control in a polished disguise.

In leadership, trust acts as the foundation for extraordinary accomplishments. When you trust your team to take bold leaps, you create opportunities for them to succeed and innovate.

As leaders, we must embrace uncertainty and motivate our teams to do the same. Step into the realm of radical trust and witness how far your team can truly soar!