It’s Thursday, and your team is chugging along, but there’s something even more vital than productivity at stake—trust. Trust is the magic ingredient that makes teams unstoppable, but it’s not something that just happens. It’s built, nurtured, and reinforced. Today, we’re diving into five fun, neuroscience-backed truths that can help you and your team boost trust and, ultimately, performance. Ready? Let’s explore!
1. Trust Starts with Eye Contact
Ever notice how you feel more connected to someone when they look you in the eye? That’s not just your imagination—science says it’s true! Eye contact activates the social brain network, releasing oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” This hormone is essential for building trust and rapport. So, whether it’s during a meeting or a casual chat, make sure to maintain eye contact. It signals sincerity and helps forge deeper connections with your team members.
2. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Here’s a fun fact: mirroring someone’s body language can actually build trust! When you subtly mimic a colleague’s posture, gestures, or tone of voice, you’re engaging in a nonverbal form of communication that says, “I’m on the same page as you.” This phenomenon is called the “chameleon effect,” and it can make interactions smoother and foster a sense of mutual understanding. Just remember to keep it natural—no one likes a copycat!
3. Give a Little, Get a Lot
Altruism and trust go hand in hand, and your brain loves it when you give without expecting anything in return. Acts of kindness trigger the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, in both the giver and the receiver. Whether it’s offering help on a project or sharing a valuable resource, these small gestures build goodwill and trust within the team. Plus, the more you give, the more you strengthen the social bonds that keep your team tight-knit.
4. Laughter Is the Best Medicine
Want to build trust? Share a laugh! Laughter is a powerful social glue that brings people closer together. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, which reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and connection. Incorporating humor into your team interactions can break down barriers, foster openness, and create an environment where trust thrives. So, don’t be afraid to crack a joke or share a funny story—your team will thank you for it!
5. The Power of Vulnerability
Here’s a truth that might surprise you: showing vulnerability is a key component of building trust. When leaders and tea
m members admit mistakes or share uncertainties, it humanizes them and signals that it’s okay to take risks. Neuroscience backs this up—when we see others being vulnerable, our brains release oxytocin, which strengthens trust and encourages open communication. Embrace transparency, and watch your team’s trust levels soar.
Conclusion
Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for high-performing teams. By focusing on these five neuroscience-backed truths—eye contact, mirroring, altruism, laughter, and vulnerability—you can create a culture of trust that propels your team to new heights. So, as you wrap up your Thursday, remember: building trust is as much about the little moments as it is about the big ones. Keep it fun, keep it real, and watch your team thrive!
Want a boost for your back to work routine? Join me starting Wednesday September 4th for a 30 day challenge where we’ll be working through Days 1-30 of the 90-Day Guide for Success TOGETHER. I’ll be dropping into your email every day with a quick booster and you are encouraged to follow along with either a copy of the book – or the DECKIBLE APP. I’ll be hosting live calls at the start and end of the week to create a pause and time to focus and share.
1. Trust Starts with Eye Contact
Ever notice how you feel more connected to someone when they look you in the eye? That’s not just your imagination—science says it’s true! Eye contact activates the social brain network, releasing oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” This hormone is essential for building trust and rapport. So, whether it’s during a meeting or a casual chat, make sure to maintain eye contact. It signals sincerity and helps forge deeper connections with your team members.
2. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Here’s a fun fact: mirroring someone’s body language can actually build trust! When you subtly mimic a colleague’s posture, gestures, or tone of voice, you’re engaging in a nonverbal form of communication that says, “I’m on the same page as you.” This phenomenon is called the “chameleon effect,” and it can make interactions smoother and foster a sense of mutual understanding. Just remember to keep it natural—no one likes a copycat!
3. Give a Little, Get a Lot
Altruism and trust go hand in hand, and your brain loves it when you give without expecting anything in return. Acts of kindness trigger the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, in both the giver and the receiver. Whether it’s offering help on a project or sharing a valuable resource, these small gestures build goodwill and trust within the team. Plus, the more you give, the more you strengthen the social bonds that keep your team tight-knit.
4. Laughter Is the Best Medicine
Want to build trust? Share a laugh! Laughter is a powerful social glue that brings people closer together. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, which reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and connection. Incorporating humor into your team interactions can break down barriers, foster openness, and create an environment where trust thrives. So, don’t be afraid to crack a joke or share a funny story—your team will thank you for it!
5. The Power of Vulnerability
Here’s a truth that might surprise you: showing vulnerability is a key component of building trust. When leaders and tea
m members admit mistakes or share uncertainties, it humanizes them and signals that it’s okay to take risks. Neuroscience backs this up—when we see others being vulnerable, our brains release oxytocin, which strengthens trust and encourages open communication. Embrace transparency, and watch your team’s trust levels soar.
Conclusion
Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for high-performing teams. By focusing on these five neuroscience-backed truths—eye contact, mirroring, altruism, laughter, and vulnerability—you can create a culture of trust that propels your team to new heights. So, as you wrap up your Thursday, remember: building trust is as much about the little moments as it is about the big ones. Keep it fun, keep it real, and watch your team thrive!
Want a boost for your back to work routine? Join me starting Wednesday September 4th for a 30 day challenge where we’ll be working through Days 1-30 of the 90-Day Guide for Success TOGETHER. I’ll be dropping into your email every day with a quick booster and you are encouraged to follow along with either a copy of the book – or the DECKIBLE APP. I’ll be hosting live calls at the start and end of the week to create a pause and time to focus and share.
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
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