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You’re leading a new team and want to build trust. How do you balance authority with approachability?

Leading a new team means establishing trust while maintaining your role as a leader. Here's how you can strike the right balance:

  • Be transparent: Share your vision and goals openly to build credibility and trust.

  • Listen actively: Encourage team members to voice their ideas and concerns, showing that you value their input.

  • Lead by example: Demonstrate the behavior and work ethic you expect from your team.

How do you balance authority with approachability in your leadership style?

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Interpersonal Skills

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You’re leading a new team and want to build trust. How do you balance authority with approachability?

Leading a new team means establishing trust while maintaining your role as a leader. Here's how you can strike the right balance:

  • Be transparent: Share your vision and goals openly to build credibility and trust.

  • Listen actively: Encourage team members to voice their ideas and concerns, showing that you value their input.

  • Lead by example: Demonstrate the behavior and work ethic you expect from your team.

How do you balance authority with approachability in your leadership style?

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
21 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Prince Peter

    HR Assistant Manager | SAEL | Passionate About People, Growth & Culture | Ex-IMS, Ex-Adani

    • Report contribution

    To build trust while balancing authority with approachability, lead by example, be transparent in your communication, listen actively to your team’s input, and provide clear expectations and guidance. At the same time, foster an open-door policy, show empathy, and create a safe space for team members to express their ideas and concerns, ensuring they feel valued and heard. #Leadership #TeamBuilding #Trust #EffectiveLeadership

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    AMAN GUPTA

    Revolutionizing Training for 5+ Years | Deputy Manager-Training at Univo | Learning & Development | CRM & LMS | Sales Training Expert | Fueling sales growth & optimizing learning outcomes

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    Building trust as a leader is a delicate balance of authority and approachability. Authority establishes credibility and ensures the team feels guided with confidence, while approachability fosters open communication and collaboration. By setting clear expectations and making thoughtful decisions, a leader earns respect. Simultaneously, showing empathy, listening actively, and being open to feedback creates a culture of mutual trust. Leading by example—staying firm yet flexible—demonstrates that you value both results and relationships. This balance not only strengthens team dynamics but also inspires loyalty and shared commitment to success.

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    4
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    Contributor profile photo
    Chandresh Patel

    CEO at Bacancy | Driving AI Innovation & IT Excellence

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    Balancing authority with approachability starts with clear communication and transparency. Sharing the vision and goals openly helps establish trust and credibility, while actively listening to the team’s concerns and ideas shows respect for their input. Leading by example ensures that the expected behaviors and work ethic are set from the top down. Maintaining professional boundaries, while also being empathetic and supportive, encourages an open, collaborative environment. This approach fosters mutual respect, allowing the team to feel valued while understanding the authority and direction provided.

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    3
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    Contributor profile photo
    Rishi Arora

    Virtual CFO | Helping Founders & Finance Teams Use AI x Finance for Growth | 100+ Clients | CA with Global Experience | Mentor

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    To build trust while balancing authority with approachability, lead by example, be transparent, and actively listen. For instance, when I first led a remote team, I shared my long-term vision and encouraged feedback during weekly check-ins. This openness built credibility, while my willingness to adapt based on team input fostered approachability. Balancing authority came naturally when I demonstrated the work ethic I expected from them, showing that I valued their contributions without undermining my role as a leader.

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    3
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    Angelo Augusto Sartorelli

    Head de Tecnologia | Superintendente | Executivo | Engenharia de Software | Inteligência Artificial | Transformação Digital | Diretor | CTO | CIO

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    Building trust. Knowing their aspirations and values can be the start of a relationship, and sharing your vision and what you are trying to achieve with them is a good way to establish common goals to stand together. Being present and showing appreciation for the persons is key on this matter.

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    3
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    Vincent Heidinger

    “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

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    To balance authority with approachability when leading a new team, start by being transparent about the team's vision, goals, and expectations to establish trust and credibility. Actively listen to all team members' ideas and concerns, showing you value their input and fostering open communication. Lead by example, demonstrating the behavior, work ethic, and respect you expect from the team. Maintain a collaborative mindset, empowering individuals while providing guidance and support, and be open for their feedback. This combination of clarity, empathy, and consistency helps build trust while reinforcing your authority as a leader.

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    2
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    Vrinda Bansal
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    Here are three things that can help: 1. Communicate & listen with empathy- when you are able to make people feel heard and valued, you would be heard & valued. Encourage each team member to share their thoughts in each team meeting, use causal yet assertive tone, instead of reprimanding show them alternative ways to do things, appreciate in public; criticize privately. Share personal stories; encourage them to share theirs. 2. Provide Support- help them achieve individual & team goals by removing obstacles within your control or just actively support their efforts. 3. Demonstrate warm body language- open arms, body language communicates that you are open to their ideas, have warm smile. Be kind, be fair.

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    2
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    Jaimiii Panchal

    Co-founder at BardBox | CEO at CogentTalks | Digital Growth Strategist | Brand Storytelling & SEO Expert | Helping Brands Grow Humanely | Provided digital growth to 500+ Businesses

    • Report contribution

    Building trust on a new team requires balancing authority with approachability. Clearly communicate expectations and provide guidance while actively listening to team members' ideas and concerns. Demonstrate respect for their opinions and experiences, even when you have a different perspective. Be transparent and honest in your communication, and celebrate their successes. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for feedback. By demonstrating both authority and approachability, you can foster a trusting and collaborative environment where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute.

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    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Jaimiii Panchal

    Co-founder at BardBox | CEO at CogentTalks | Digital Growth Strategist | Brand Storytelling & SEO Expert | Helping Brands Grow Humanely | Provided digital growth to 500+ Businesses

    • Report contribution

    Building trust on a new team requires balancing authority with approachability. Clearly communicate expectations and maintain professional boundaries while demonstrating empathy and understanding. Encourage open communication by actively listening to team members' concerns and ideas. Be transparent in your decision-making process and explain the rationale behind your choices. Celebrate team successes and provide constructive feedback with a focus on growth. By demonstrating both authority and approachability, you can create a trusting and productive team environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

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    1
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    Contributor profile photo
    Jonathan Y. Longsud 🇵🇭

    Experienced Security and Safety Leader: Expert in Protection and Prevention.

    • Report contribution

    Clearly communicate your expectations and consistently uphold them, demonstrating reliability and integrity. Simultaneously, foster an open and inclusive environment by actively listening to your team's ideas and concerns, showing empathy, and encouraging collaboration. This approach ensures that while your authority is respected, team members feel comfortable engaging with you, leading to a harmonious and productive workplace.

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