Tips for Building Trust in a New Role

A newbie product manager's guide to win trust in a new team. 👇🏻 (Save this!) Early in my career as a product manager, when I joined my dream company, I was eager to make an impact on day 1. So I crafted a 30-60-90-day plan, tried the product, and made a 'friction list.' My first meeting was with cross-functional teammates discussing on solving the 65% drop in user engagement. Eager to share my idea, I jumped in and said: "What if we build X? It's a common need highlighted in my friction list & customer reviews online." The room went silent and my idea was politely dismissed. I found myself fading into the background. 😖 After the meeting, my manager pulled me aside and said: “Quiet listening is your superpower as a Product Manager, especially in new situations, Bosky. Remember, trust is earned in drops but easily lost in buckets.” I'm not alone in this experience. As a coach, I see a similar situation 8/10 times with people taking on product roles for the first time. They assume building trust takes minutes. So here are 3 rules to gain confidence as a new team member: 1) Learn to listen & learn. When you’re new to a team, being quick to chime in rarely works out. Always listen to avoid incomplete resolutions. 2) Building trust goes beyond casual coffee chats. Let it take time. Don't rush to form a strong relationship. However, don’t delay showcasing your worth & credibility through your work. 3) Trust happens with co-creation. Having the best idea or the answer does not make you a strong product manager. Being an A1 team player does. Be eager to hear people out, support proactively and communicate openly. Remember: Trust is earned in drops, easily lost in buckets. Take your time to win trust in a new environment. - - - - If you found this post helpful, re-share it so it can benefit more PMs. Follow Bosky Mukherjee, Product Coach for more unconventional career tips! ⚡😊 #productmanagement #productmanager #productleadership #careercoaching #womeninproduct #womenintech #techcareers

Building trust with a client or colleague has so many layers. 1. When someone feels seen because you remember their name, favorite vacation spot, or that they had a water leak last fall...you are building the foundation of trust. 2. Paying attention by keeping on top of their industry, company, or niche allows others to relax and rely on you in new ways, because you demonstrate interest and investment in what they care about. 3. Picking up the phone to check-in, and answering when they need a trusted partner to think something through, become trust magnifiers. 4. When your thought leadership (social media, articles, webinars...) resonates and sounds exactly like you on the phone or in that email, you have built an additional layer based on your authenticity and reliability. 5. And when you find a way to sprinkle a laugh into all of this shows you are human, and you know they are too. It is one thing to get a new client. Getting to work with those that care about your world, and you are invested in theirs is a whole new level. #BizDeb

🚀 If you lack confidence in your role, chances are you are underprepared to fulfill it. Do yourself a favor and make it your objective to build a comprehensive understanding of your job description. Then, ask yourself, “What tasks am I uncomfortable executing, and what do I need to do to master them?” Here are some suggestions to help you learn what you need to know and boost your confidence in your role: 1. Utilize the resources provided by your company: Manuals, training programs, and online portals are there to support your growth. 2. Engage with AI tools like ChatGPT: They can provide instant insights, answer questions, and offer guidance on complex topics. 3. Seek out educational content: Watch YouTube tutorials and read books that offer context and depth about your role. 4. Network with experienced colleagues: Have conversations with those who are further along in the same role to gain insights and tips. 5. Apply what you learn: Analyze information, take notes, and practically apply relevant knowledge to your daily tasks. 🔑 The key takeaway: If you lack confidence in fulfilling your role due to a lack of understanding, make a conscious decision to learn what you need by taking actionable steps until your confidence increases. Simple, I know, but easy to forget. What are your thoughts?

As a recruiter, I am a firm believer in the extraordinary power of listening, considering it one of our most crucial abilities. In the rush of our busy lives, it's easy to underestimate the impact of truly hearing someone. But make no mistake, it can be a game-changer - both professionally and personally. » Listening Builds Trust: When we actively listen to our candidates and clients, we're not just hearing words; we're absorbing their stories, aspirations, and concerns. This builds a foundation of trust that is vital in our line of work. Trust opens doors, fosters collaboration, and paves the way for genuine relationships. » Meeting Needs: Every candidate and client has unique needs. By listening attentively, we gain the insight needed to tailor our services to precisely those needs. It's like having a map to navigate the often complex terrain of recruitment. » Valuing Perspectives: Listening also allows us to appreciate different perspectives. It reminds us that diversity isn't just about backgrounds and experiences; it's about the richness of ideas that emerge when we truly engage with others. » Resolving Issues: In the face of challenges or conflicts, listening can be the first step to resolution. It shows empathy and a willingness to understand, which can be the turning point in solving even the most intricate problems. So, how can we cultivate this superpower? ☆ Be Present: Put away distractions and give your full attention. Show that you value what the other person is saying. ☆ Empathize: Try to understand not just the words but the emotions behind them. This empathy is the bedrock of trust. ☆ Ask Questions: Encourage open dialogue. Sometimes, the most profound insights emerge from the questions we ask. ☆ Practice Patience: Listening takes time, but it's an investment that pays dividends in the form of strong, lasting relationships. ☆ Feedback Loop: Remember, listening isn't just about hearing; it's about responding. Show that you've listened by taking actions that reflect what you've heard. In the realm of recruitment, much like in life itself, I believe the art of listening serves as our covert advantage. It enables us to forge profound connections, deliver authentic value, and, ultimately, leave a positive imprint. #BuildingTrust #LoveWhatYouDo #YouMatter #EffectiveCommunication Next Level Career Partners, LLC

Trust is built through actions, not words! Trust is at the heart of any effective leadership style. I’ve found that it can make or break a team's performance, morale and overall success. Today, I want to share some insights on building and maintaining trust within your team, based on my 20+ years of experience in leadership roles. Transparency is Key: Share important updates, both good and bad. If something isn't going well, it’s better to let your team know rather than keeping them in the dark. People appreciate honesty. Open-Door Policy: Make sure you're approachable. If team members feel they can come to you with any problems or suggestions, you’re on the right track. Be Consistent: Try to treat everyone fairly and keep your promises. If people know what to expect from you, they're more likely to trust you. Acknowledge Mistakes: We're all human... we all make mistakes. Owning up to them shows maturity and reliability, two qualities that help build trust. Provide Feedback: Positive or constructive, feedback helps team members know where they stand and how they can improve. It's a two-way street... encourage them to provide you with feedback too. Tip: Always use Positive Reinforcement when giving feedback... don't make it all about the individuals shortcomings. Empower Your Team: Delegating tasks or responsibilities not only shows you trust your team's skills but also encourages their own development. The sense of ownership they get from it often leads to better results. Show Appreciation: Recognize and reward good work. Simple acts of appreciation can go a long way in building a positive and trusting work environment. Stick to Your Values: Integrity is crucial. If your actions reflect your words, people are more likely to trust you. Active Listening: Take the time to listen to your team's concerns and ideas. This not only fosters trust but can also provide you with valuable insights. Follow Through: If you commit to something, do everything in your power to make it happen. This confirms that you're reliable, further building trust. Leadership isn't about pretending to have all the answers. Simon Sinek - "In leadership, the quickest way to lose trust is to pretend you have all the answers. The best way to build it is to prove you don't." #LeadershipTrust #BuildingTeams #TransparencyInLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EffectiveLeadership

This one choice is a game-changer for new managers. I recently had a chance to talk with my friend Bryan Sherman, a Tokyo-based business communication expert. In addition to working with CEOs, Bryan has also trained and coached thousands of early and mid-career professionals who are preparing to depart for a post in a foreign market. Having been an expat in Europe and Asia for fourteen years of my life, I have come to value the challenge (and opportunity to grow) that comes with operating in unfamiliar environments. It can be a thrilling rolling coaster of the highest highs and the lowest lows. After the initial welcome party, the reality of being an outsider can be crippling for some. The ground doesn’t feel solid sometimes. Self-doubt can creep in and create paralysis. Similarly, becoming a manager so often means stepping into an unfamiliar environment. Even the same office can look and feel different from the elevated perch of leadership. Whether operating in a literal foreign culture or just getting used to a role that requires guiding and supporting other human beings, succeeding in an unfamiliar role, company, or location so often comes down to one critical asset: Relationships. I’ve seen far too many situations where protracted avoidance of direct dialogue combined with untested and faulty assumptions severely undermines a manager’s ability to lead. There’s an antidote to this poisonous outcome. As Bryan so wisely points out, inviting someone to share their perspective, experiences, and preferences is a game changer. This is especially true when you might not have natural chemistry with another person. Listening to someone does not require agreeing with everything they say. It starts with a simple invitation. When we attend to another person, we can prevent faulty assumptions, develop more range and flexibility in our interpersonal communication, and most importantly, attain the clarity and confidence to lead. ❓ Do you know someone transitioning into a manager role? If you were their mentor, what would you tell them about how to build trust? 👇 Hit the comments below and share! ⚡ Want to talk about how to improve the relational infrastructure of your team? Shoot me a DM with the words: “Let’s talk trust.” Bryan Sherman #newmanagertips #feedbackconversations #relationships #trustbuilding