Establishing trust within a team is a formidable challenge, given the diverse array of traits, personalities, and work styles that individuals bring to the table. Disparities in skill sets and estimation of task completion further complicate this process. It’s not uncommon for a seasoned team member to believe a task can be accomplished in a mere four hours, only to find a colleague suggesting a more conservative estimate of 2 or 3 days.
In such scenarios, experience often becomes the benchmark for gauging task complexity, encompassing logic building, understanding, coding proficiency, reusability, and overall task success rates. As a senior resource, my inclination towards a shorter time frame is rooted in this wealth of experience. However, it’s essential to recognize that team members may possess varying levels of experience or bring different perspectives, leading them to opt for a more extended time frame.
What unfolds is truly remarkable. Instances abound where a team member, initially estimating a task at 2 to 3 days, not only completes it within that timeframe but also shares newfound insights. This sharing of knowledge becomes a pivotal moment, as the team member expresses newfound confidence in self-assessing tasks, demonstrating improved capabilities, task implementation proficiency, self-motivation, dedication, and the ability to define baselines for task acceptance and deliver end-to-end solutions.
The transformation is palpable, and the team member proudly asserts, “I can do anything in this field.” The change in demeanor is unmistakable, reflecting a newfound sense of empowerment compared to just a week ago.
This narrative underscores the significance of trust as the linchpin for team members’ growth. Personally, I’ve adopted a philosophy of blind trust in my teams, and more often than not, it has yielded positive results. While occasional setbacks may occur, the overall trajectory emphasizes the transformative power of trust in fostering an environment where team members not only meet expectations but surpass them, evolving into confident and capable contributors.