From Tension to Trust

 

A story about communication, personality, and what happens when a team finally exhales.

In one of my recent coaching engagements, I had the privilege of working with a small hybrid team in the marketing space.

Their leader, Patty, reached out to me not because of a “crisis” - but because of a quiet, persistent tension she couldn’t quite name.

Team meetings felt…off. Messages were often misread. And while everyone cared deeply, they weren’t clicking the way she knew they could.

She told me something that stayed with me. “It’s like we’re all on the same page, but reading in different languages.”

Together, we set out to decode those languages.

Each team member completed a personality assessment, and in our sessions, we began unpacking how their different ways of processing, expressing, and leading were quietly creating friction - and missing opportunities for connection.

They built a Team Trust Agreement to realign how they wanted to communicate, handle conflict, and support each other through change. 

They learned a shared language.

They practiced braver conversations. 

They gave each other permission to be human again.

And while they didn’t become a perfect team, they became an honest one. One that trusted each other enough to show up fully - camera on or off.

🪷 Reflection Prompts for This Week:

Where is there quiet tension i your own leadership or team relationships?

What conversation - however small - might start to shift it?

You don't need to do it all at once. But maybe...you don't need to do it alone either. 

🎁 Supportive Resource Spotlight:

If today’s story resonated with you and you’re looking for a practical next step, here’s my Team Trust Agreement that I use with my clients. It’ll help you co-create shared norms, values, and working agreements - with intention. It’s designed to strengthen communication, reduce friction, and foster a culture of trust and care. 

Grab it here: Team Trust Agreement

You’ve got this.

With care, Kris 🌸

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