10 Questions to Boost Team Trust and Engagement

Building trust within a team is a fundamental challenge that leaders encounter, especially in today's remote and hybrid environments. Establishing trust is crucial, not just for the sake of harmony, but because it serves as the bedrock for effective collaboration, innovation, and engagement. One of the most effective strategies to build trust is through open and sincere communication. This begins with asking the right questions. Thoughtful questions do more than just start conversations; they invite individuals to share their experiences, beliefs, and aspirations, paving the way for deeper connections and mutual understanding. Consequently, these conversations become the catalyst for enhanced trust and engagement, which are vital for team productivity and morale.

Below, I’ve shared my top 10 team-building questions designed to foster closer relationships and build a foundation of trust within your team.

Ideas for Implementation:

1. 1 on 1 meetings: Initially, with a new team member, it’s beneficial to carve out time for at least 3 get-to-know-you questions in a meeting designed for this purpose. For existing team members, incorporate at least one question at the start of each 1 on 1 meeting to make it a routine part of your interactions.

2. All team meetings: Use non-business meetings as an opportunity to pose these questions to team members, allowing everyone to learn about each other on a more personal level.

1. If you were to tell one person “thank you” for helping me become the person I am today, who would it be and what did they do?

• This question encourages individuals to reflect on the impactful relationships in their lives, fostering gratitude and personal storytelling that can create emotional connections within the team.
  

1. Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

• Sharing stories about inspiration and career paths can reveal shared values and aspirations, encouraging a deeper sense of community and shared purpose among team members.
  

1. What are you doing when you seem to lose track of time?

• Understanding what activities immerse team members can provide insights into their passions and strengths, helping leaders align roles and responsibilities with individual inclinations for increased satisfaction and productivity.
  

1. Do you have traditions in your family?

• Discussing personal traditions invites a sharing of cultural and familial backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and appreciation of diversity within the team.
  

1. What characteristic do you admire the most in others?

• This question encourages team members to reflect on values and traits they find important, fostering a culture of mutual respect and admiration.
  

1. What’s something you’re glad you’ll never have to do again?

• Sharing challenges or difficult experiences that one is glad to have moved past can foster resilience and mutual support among team members.
  

1. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last year?

• Reflecting on recent growth experiences can encourage a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation, key components of a successful team.
  

1. What does a perfect day look like to you?

• Describing a perfect day can reveal personal priorities, aspirations, and simple joys, contributing to a deeper understanding of each other's life outside of work.
  

1. What kind of impact do you believe you have on people?

• This question invites team members to consider their influence on others, fostering a sense of responsibility and intentionality in interpersonal interactions.
  

1. What motivates you to succeed?

• Understanding what drives each team member can help leaders tailor motivation and recognition strategies, enhancing individual engagement and collective success.

These questions, integral to your New Leader Toolkit, are not just conversation starters but are powerful tools for building trust, engagement, and a strong team culture. If you're seeking to develop a leadership program that truly makes a difference in your team dynamics, incorporating these questions can be a transformative step. I'm passionate about leadership development and would be love to create a program tailored to your team's needs.