We can all find the most amazing excuses of not mentioning the things that get right up our nose!  But what, in the long term, does this end up costing us... shed loads of money if you run a business.  Thousands of pounds are spent on anonymous 360 degree feedback systems which re-inforce not saying the difficult things face-to-face, and therefore making it OK.  Not to mention the costs of a low performing team not working together because of the 'un-said baggage' and backstabbing gossip!  Here are a few tips to break down the existing low trust cultures prevailent in the work place:

1.  Get together as a team and discuss your strengths and how they are related to weaknesses which impact on team performance.   i.e Those of us that tend to be very focused and sharp, can end up closing down discussions too quickly if others are not in the same place.

2.  Once discussed, find ways to support each other in managing them.  We have a great line, following the example from above - "Jacqui, are you a closed or open book on this one!"  Humour is a great way of difusing potential conflict of interests.

3.  Never discuss each other behind closed doors - YOU are part of a team and should work together as ONE.  Once this is modelled behaviour, others will want what you have and you create the organisational culture change needed.

www.2waytrust.com