Said another way: no trust = chaos. 

If your team struggles with trust, consider the possibility that you're leading the individuals – rather than the team as a whole. Effective teams work together, coordinate their efforts, and are capable of large scale problem-solving.

However, a team of people without trust in one another does not share information, will not work together to strengthen processes, and often will place blame on others to escape consequences (I didn't do it!).  

No doubt you have a ton of talented people in front of you, but if they aren't coordinating their efforts, it isn't a team. Instead you will be settling conflicts daily. Sound fun yet?

This blog posting isn't meant to depress you, so here are ideas to consider when faced with issues involving trust:

• Reflect on how you have interdependently worked with others. How did it feel? Share that experience with the team so you can begin to lead by example. If you are a leader, try developing your storytelling skills. Engaging others through the artful use of stories can effectively convey the lessons learned, without sounding like a lecture. 
• Observe team communication to understand the current levels of trust. You can start by having an open conversation with your team. Develop a mission statement with your team: what do they want to accomplish and how do they see themselves (as a TEAM) aligning to the mission of the organizaiton? 
• Develop a sense of "We-ness." If you want people to be about teamwork, talk in terms of we and us – as a group. 
• Own any problems – if you as a leader start blaming others, this undermines everything a team is about. 

There are many books written about trust and teamwork, but the most important thing is to do. Not only behave as a team, you need to think as a team. 

How are you promoting trust within your teams?