Natural History of Team Trust
In the beginning. When a new team forms, typically the level of trust among members is low. The members act conservatively, and interact with each other from their formal role positions. They are testing each other, forming norms of acceptable behavior with the goal of safety in interpersonal relations. The team leader tends to be more controlling as he or she exercises considerable leadership authority.
The flow of communication. Initially communication is not open as members “play their cards close to the vest.” As the team matures and some team building takes place, trust increases, with a corresponding increase in openness and in a serious discussion of team problems. As members are able to be honest with each ...