Phrases to Foster Trust Within Teams

Emotional intelligence isn't just what you say, but how and when you say it. These phrases do more than communicate—they create a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability. Over time, this language normalizes vulnerability and trust in relationships. Many of these phrases quietly defuse power dynamics. 1) Saying “I’d love your input” or “Tell me more” invites shared ownership. This helps reduce hierarchy and builds psychological safety in teams and relationships. 2) The real power is in tone and timing. Any of these phrases can feel hollow or patronizing if delivered without sincerity. They help shift conversations from reaction to reflection. 3) Phrases like “Let’s take a breather” or “Walk me through what happened” encourage pause and reflection rather than immediate defense or escalation. 4) They signal emotional labor done right. Using this language often requires self-regulation, empathy, and courage—core emotional intelligence skills in practice, not just theory. Read the list again with this in mind... “We’ll get through this together” Stand with others when the going gets rough “Here’s what I heard you say” Listen actively and confirm understanding “Let’s put our heads together” Work collaboratively with others “Tell me more about your concerns” Lead with mutual respect and seek common ground “Let’s talk about this” Lean into conflict, looking for a path forward “I was wrong” Role model ownership and growth “Thank you” Give appreciation liberally Center Column “I’m sorry” Recognize when you’ve caused hurt and own it “Let’s take a breather” Notice charged situations and take a step back “I’m proud of my effort” Prioritize self-love, not external validation “Great job!” Praise others frequently “I’d love your input” Ask for feedback regularly “How are you feeling?” Check in on others when you sense something’s up “Walk me through what happened” Seek to understand, not blame “We better change course” Be adaptable when circumstances change “Here’s why I made that decision” Work to bring others along – even when difficult “How was your kid’s birthday?” See and care about others as human beings “I feel…” Work to see and name your feelings “How can I help?” Offer support often ------ ♻️ Like, follow, and repost if this resonates. Follow Travis Bradberry and sign up for my weekly newsletter. Thanks to George Stern the king of infographics for this graphic. Do you want more like this? 👇 📖 My new book, "The New Emotional Intelligence" is now 10% off on Amazon and it's already a bestseller.

If you want to build trust on your team, stop asking: “Any questions?” “Everyone good?” “Does that make sense?” Start asking: “What feels unclear right now?” “What risks do you see that we haven’t addressed?” “What might get in our way that we’re not naming yet?” Leaders don’t create psychological safety by saying people can speak up. They create it by asking the kinds of questions that show they expect people to speak up. It’s not just about better communication. It’s about creating conditions where candor isn’t just allowed, it’s invited, expected, and safe. #Leadership #TeamCulture #Communication

As a CEO, I’ve learned culture lives in daily conversations. The right words build trust, ownership, and momentum. It’s not perks, it’s how we speak to each other that defines us. Shoutout to Omar Pabani for the original post below. Give him a follow! Words can make or break a team. In a healthy culture, some phrases stand out. They show that people value: → Trust → Growth → Respect → Appreciation You don’t have to be an expert to spot a toxic culture. Just pay attention to how people talk each day. Toxic cultures thrive in silence. Positive ones are built on open, honest conversations. Here are 8 phrases you’ll often hear in healthy workplaces: 1/ “I believe in you.” ↳ Builds confidence in uncertain moments ↳ Shows trust in someone’s potential 2/ “Great job on that!” ↳ Recognition keeps motivation alive ↳ Small praise creates lasting impact 3/ “I trust your judgement.” ↳ Empowers ownership and decision-making ↳ Signals confidence, not control 4/ “How can I support you?” ↳ Supportive leadership starts with listening ↳ Encourages openness without pressure 5/ “Let’s figure it out together.” ↳ Promotes teamwork over blame ↳ Reminds them they’re not alone 6/ “Tell me more about your idea.” ↳ Curiosity fuels innovation ↳ Every voice deserves to be heard 7/ “Your growth is important to us.” ↳ People stay where they’re invested in ↳ Growth is a signal of respect 8/ “Mistakes are part of progress. What can we learn?" ↳ A safe space invites better performance ↳ Learning beats perfection every time It’s the everyday phrases that reveal what kind of environment you have. So the next time you’re at work, listen closely. Your culture lives in your conversations. Build one that speaks to trust, growth, and respect. Which of these do you say most often? _ ♻️ Repost if you agree. 🔔 Follow Eva Karnaukh for more like this.

It’s not just about what you say—it’s how you say it. Your words have the power to build trust, unlock creativity, and transform your team. Are you using the right ones? Great leadership isn’t just about decisions; it’s about connection. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. When your team experiences psychological safety, they’re more likely to share ideas, collaborate effectively, tackle challenges, and grow together. These phrases can help you create a safe and collaborative environment: ✅ Start Open-Ended Conversations Start by inviting openness and curiosity. ↳"Tell me about your project." ↳"What do you think?" ↳"What ideas do you have?" ↳"What I heard you say is… Is that right?" Why it matters: Asking questions invites engagement and creates space for everyone to contribute. ✅ Build Trust Strengthen relationships by demonstrating trust and support. ↳"How can I support you better?" ↳"Who can we ask for help or information?" ↳"What help do you need?" ↳"I trust you." Why it matters: Trust is the foundation of collaboration. When you support your team, you empower them to take risks and learn. ✅ Reflect, Recognize, and Celebrate Celebrate progress and address challenges. ↳"What’s holding us back?" ↳"What can we celebrate?" ↳"Thank you." Why it matters: Recognition is a simple way to reinforce what’s working. When the team takes time to reflect, they uncover insights they might miss alone. What do you think How you communicate shapes your team’s culture. Use these phrases consistently to build trust, create safety, and develop a stronger, more collaborative team. Which phrase do you think will have the biggest impact on your team? Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇 ♻️ Reshare to inspire other leaders to create more psychologically safe workplaces. ➕ Follow Morgan Davis, PMP, PROSCI, MBA for more actionable advice on achieving operational excellence.