Positive Ways to Develop Team Trust

Players who do not trust one another or their coach are headed for a losing record. By creating an atmosphere of openness and trust, a coach points his team toward success. Trust is a critical component of success at all levels of competition, whether it is Little League the major leagues. By applying simple psychological principles, coaches can create trust among teammates and in themselves.

  1. Follow Through on Promises

    • Follow through on all promises that you make. If you promise to take the team out for a pizza after the game, do it. Avoid modifying your promises and do not make stipulations. If winning the game was not the requirement for having a pizza party, do not make it the requirement when the game is over. Such actions will cause the players to disbelieve any of your future promises. Require the players to keep promises to one another, as well.

    Develop Trust

    • Wait for trust to develop naturally. Insisting that the players have confidence in you will not cause them to do so. They need to see that your actions are consistent. For this reason, apply team rules equally. If substitute players who arrive late to practice are required to run laps, star players must adhere to the same rules. Consistent rule adherence will help to generate trust. A coach cannot demand the trust of her players; she must earn it. Require that players treat their teammates as equals.

    Be an Example

    • Set a good example. Remember that players listen to everything you say and watch everything you do. Speak and behave in a respectful manner at all times. Avoid arguments with umpires. If you ask an umpire to clarify a decision, do so in a professional manner. Although players respect a coach who defends the interests of their team, they do not trust him if he asks them to respect rules without respecting them himself. Require the players to set a good example for each other.

    Listen to Your Players

    • Listen more than you speak. Players who are permitted to voice their opinions and concerns feel appreciated. Show them that you care how they feel. Likewise, show them that you are committed to giving your maximum effort for them. This will cause them to want to give their maximum effort for you. If you make a mistake, admit to it. If you direct the pitcher to throw a fastball and the batter hits a home run, acknowledge that you made a mistake. Require the players to take responsibility for their actions. This will develop trust in all members of the team.