“Trust is built in very small moments, which I call sliding door moments.” — Brené Brown
It was a seemingly ordinary moment – a quick hallway conversation between Alex and her team member, Marcus. Marcus had been struggling with a client issue, and Alex noticed his frustration. She could have brushed off his concerns with a standard “you’ll figure it out,” but instead, she paused. She leaned in, asked Marcus what was really bothering him, and listened intently. In that brief exchange, Marcus felt truly heard, and it made all the difference.
That single conversation didn’t solve the client issue right away, but it planted a seed. Marcus walked away not only with a clearer perspective on his work, but also with the reassurance that his leader cared enough to notice and listen. Over time, these small, seemingly insignificant exchanges added up. Alex’s team began to trust her more deeply because she consistently chose to be present in those “small moments.”
At Lead Vantage, we emphasize that trust isn’t forged in sweeping declarations or grand gestures – it grows in the quiet, everyday interactions where leaders choose to engage with intention. These sliding door moments – where you can either walk past or stop and connect – are the true building blocks of a brave, resilient, and trusting culture.
When leaders show up consistently in these moments, they signal to their teams: “You matter. I see you. I’ve got your back.” That kind of trust creates psychological safety, fuels engagement, and strengthens collaboration. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds everyone that leadership is not about authority – it’s about presence.
Coaching Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What small actions are you taking daily to build trust within your team?
- How do you ensure you’re present and attentive during “sliding door moments” with your team?
- What recent moment of trust-building stands out for you, and how did it impact your team?
- How do you handle situations where trust has been broken, either by you or others?
- How can you be more consistent in your words and actions to build trust?
- What do you do to make your team feel heard and valued in day-to-day interactions?
- Are there any unintentional behaviours that might be eroding trust with your team?
- How do you create a psychologically safe environment for open and honest communication?
- What specific behaviours do you model to show trust in your team’s abilities?
- How do you respond when a team member takes a risk? Does your response build or undermine trust?
✨ Reflection Prompt: This week, notice your own sliding door moments. When presented with the choice to move on quickly or pause and engage, what will you choose?
Trust isn’t built through grand gestures – it’s forged in the smallest, everyday moments. Whether it’s taking the time to listen, offering support when it’s needed most, or simply being consistent in your words and actions, these “small moments” form the foundation of a strong, trusting team.
At Lead Vantage, we specialize in helping leaders recognize and seize these opportunities to build trust. Our training and coaching programs are designed to enhance your leaders’ ability to connect with their teams, foster open communication, and create a psychologically safe environment where trust can thrive.
With Lead Vantage’s guidance, your leaders will learn to show up in those pivotal moments, ensuring trust is continually reinforced across your organization. Let us help you cultivate a team that trusts each other, communicates openly, and performs at its best.
Check out our sough-after programs here: https://leadvantage.ca/programs/
