How do you build trust with your mining team?

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is the foundation of trust. You need to communicate your goals, expectations, plans, progress, and feedback regularly and clearly with your team. Use multiple channels, such as meetings, emails, phone calls, and reports, to ensure everyone is on the same page. Listen actively and respectfully to your team members, and encourage them to share their ideas, concerns, and opinions. Be transparent and honest about the challenges, risks, and opportunities of your projects, and avoid hiding or sugarcoating information.

2 Show competence and reliability

Trust is also based on competence and reliability. You need to demonstrate your technical skills, knowledge, and experience as a mining engineer, and deliver high-quality work on time and within budget. You also need to show that you can handle complex and uncertain situations, and solve problems effectively and creatively. Be consistent and dependable in your actions, and follow through on your commitments and promises. If you make a mistake or face a setback, admit it, learn from it, and take corrective actions.

3 Respect and support your team

Trust is also built on respect and support. You need to respect the diversity, expertise, and contributions of your team members, and acknowledge their achievements and efforts. You also need to support their professional development, learning, and growth, and provide them with the resources, guidance, and feedback they need. Show empathy and compassion for your team members, and care about their well-being and safety. Be flexible and adaptable to their needs and preferences, and avoid micromanaging or imposing your views.

4 Collaborate and cooperate with your team

Trust is also enhanced by collaboration and cooperation. You need to work with your team as a partner, not a boss, and foster a culture of teamwork and mutual trust. You also need to cooperate with other teams, departments, clients, and stakeholders, and align your goals and interests with theirs. Share information, resources, and ideas with your team and others, and seek their input and feedback. Involve your team in decision-making processes, and delegate tasks and responsibilities appropriately. Recognize and resolve conflicts constructively, and avoid blaming or criticizing others.

5 Lead by example and inspire your team

Trust is also influenced by leadership and inspiration. You need to lead by example and model the behaviors and values you expect from your team. You also need to inspire your team with a clear vision, mission, and purpose for your projects, and motivate them with positive reinforcement and incentives. Show confidence and enthusiasm in your work, and challenge your team to excel and innovate. Celebrate your team's successes and milestones, and reward their performance and loyalty. Encourage your team to have fun and enjoy their work.

Building trust with your mining team is not easy, but it is worth it. Trust can improve your team's productivity, performance, quality, safety, satisfaction, and retention. Trust can also enhance your reputation, credibility, and influence as a mining engineer. Try these tips to build trust with your mining team, and see the difference it makes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?