Managing a New Team? Here’s How to Build Rapport and Trust, Fast

You’re a people leader, and you've got a new team to manage. It’s an exciting but daunting prospect. You're ready to take on the challenge, but you want to make sure you start off on the right foot. Building strong, authentic relationships with your team is crucial, and you want to do it fast. Here are some tips to help you become the ultimate people manager!

Get Personal

To be a great manager, you need to get to know your team members personally. Take the time to meet with them individually and learn about their backgrounds, interests, and career aspirations. Ask them about their hobbies, family, or career goals, and use tools like Cheerlead to store and reference them often. Creating personal connections with your team members will help establish trust and create a positive work environment.

Clear and Frequent Communication

Communication is key when it comes to building trust. Be clear and concise when setting expectations for your team, and make sure to establish regular communication channels. Whether it's daily updates or weekly stand-ups, make sure your team knows what to expect from you. Encourage feedback and suggestions and listen attentively. Be transparent about any changes in the company and offer support in case of any concerns.

Be Consistent

Consistency is crucial in building rapport. As a manager, it's important to be fair and consistent in your actions, words, and decisions. Make sure you treat all team members equally and acknowledge their hard work. Don't play favorites or give special treatment to anyone.

Lead by Example

The best way to lead your team is by example. Demonstrate the behaviors you want to see in your team. Be punctual, organized, and hold yourself accountable. If your company expects the team to be in the office a certain number of days a week, make sure you're hitting those targets. When your team sees you leading by example, they'll be more likely to follow your lead.

Celebrate Successes

A happy team is a productive team, and celebrating successes is a great way to build morale and relationships. Acknowledge your team's accomplishments and take the time to celebrate both big and small victories. Reward them with a team lunch, coffee or donuts to show your appreciation. Recognize each team member's contributions and regularly thank them for their hard work.

Set Goals Together

Setting goals together creates a sense of shared purpose and encourages collaboration. Ask each team member in their 1:1s about their professional goals and aspirations, and work together to create a plan that will get them there. This approach will help your team members develop their skills and will clearly demonstrate to them that you’re on their side.

Show Empathy

Empathy is critical in building trust and rapport with your team. If a team member is going through a tough time, offer support and flexibility. Whether it's time off for a family emergency or a more flexible schedule, being empathetic will help your team feel valued and supported during the good times and the bad.
Invest in Learning and Development
Investing in your team members' learning and development shows that you care about their growth. Offer opportunities for professional development, such as training sessions or conferences, and encourage team members to share what they've learned with the rest of the team. This approach will demonstrate your commitment to their growth and development.

Encourage Collaboration

Encouraging collaboration within your team is essential. Create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and working together to solve problems. Start off team meetings or brainstorming sessions with a fun game or ice breaker question to foster teamwork.
Building trust and rapport with your team takes time, but following these tips will help you become the ultimate people manager. Be personal, communicate clearly, be consistent, lead by example, and don’t forget to celebrate.

Brought to you by Cheerlead. The All-in-One tool that helps managers lead with empathy while staying organized and productive.