Trust and Collaboration:
What’s a Manager To Do?

Effective collaboration within teams is a cornerstone of success in any organization. However, numerous challenges often hinder the interaction and cooperation vital for teams to thrive. One prominent issue is the lack of trust, especially in the absence of an environment that encourages experimentation.

For teams to experiment effectively, trust must be present; trust in themselves, each other, and the process. A lack of trust in any of these areas leads team members to be less open and sharing of their thoughts and ideas, resulting in ineffective collaboration. It’s challenging to work together when people feel a reluctance to try new approaches, or consider new perspectives on old ideas.

Let’s look into the significance of trust and testing in team dynamics, drawing insights from an iconic movie and a discussion with a movie-maker from a popular podcast.

“I need to know you’ll go 100% with me” – Edward Norton

In episode 44 of the Tetragrammaton podcast, Edward Norton shares his experience while working on the set of “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).”

During the discussion, Norton talks about acting out scenes with co-star Michael Keaton, and how director Alejandro G. Iñárritu had trust in them and the crew to approach some of the pivotal scenes in different ways, resulting in unexpected but interesting outcomes. Commenting that it would not have happened if everyone wasn’t trusting of one another, and brave enough to say, “I need to know you’ll go 100% with me… and have the confidence that it doesn’t work because it doesn’t work,” and not because of the lack of trust to try.

“What you imagine and I imagine are nothing alike” – Rick Rubin

Rubin speaks to the creative process and how ideas need to be explored so that everyone involved understands each other. That it’s not easy to get there but if everyone gives the time and space to explore and trusts each other to get there, they will, whatever the outcome.

Rubin adds, “When you’re sharing an idea… what you imagine and I imagine are nothing alike. We can all hear the words… When you do the test, everyone is on the same page and not worried about a theoretical idea.”

The ability to set aside egos and test different ideas allows teams to explore various approaches. Norton’s example highlights the importance of trust in trying out each other’s ideas, fostering a collaborative environment that leads to innovative outcomes. Rubin underlines the creative process, asserting that ideas must be explored so that everyone involved understands each other, emphasizing that, with trust and time, the team will reach a successful outcome.

“Do whatever you think is best. I’ll try to back you up.”

– Captain Sam Bennet

A pivotal moment occurs in the 1968 movie “Bullitt,” when Steve McQueen’s character, Detective Frank Bullitt and his team screw up big time. Despite heavy pressure from the Commissioner and a high-powered politician, Bullitt’s boss, Captain Sam Bennet (played by Simon Oakland), shows a remarkable level of trust. “All I’m interested in is results. Do whatever you think is best. I’ll try to back you up,” he says as the elevator doors close, leaving Bullitt to make things right.

In the face of adversity and potential fallout, Captain Bennet’s unwavering trust in Bullitt and his team becomes a catalyst for their redemption. This example illustrates the importance of leadership trust, allowing teams the freedom to navigate challenges and find solutions without fear of immediate repercussions.

1. Trust:

  • Foster an environment where team members feel confident in each other’s abilities.
  • Embrace a culture of experimentation and be willing to try new ideas.

2. Communication:

  • Encourage open and honest communication to get everyone on the same page.
  • Understand that interpretations of ideas may differ, emphasizing the need for practical testing.

3. Leadership:

  • Trust their people to make decisions and back them up, even in challenging situations.
  • Recognize that mistakes are opportunities for learning and improvement.

To have true collaboration we need to be able to trust one another and support open communication and the willingness to test and experiment. Hopefully these examples provide an argument for how teams can identify and address the lack of trust and experimentation to create an environment that fosters paths to success.

Or at least be like Frank Bullitt’s boss, Captain Bennet, and when the stakeholders are closing in with a scrutinizing eye, have your team’s back.