Members of trusting teams demonstrate Vulnerability-Based trust.  This level of trust requires team members to make themselves vulnerable to one another without fear that their vulnerabilities (weaknesses, skill deficiencies, mistakes, requests for help) will be used against them.  To cultivate vulnerability-based trust the leader must him/herself demonstrate vulnerability and create an environment that does not punish vulnerability.

Taking Action: Start small.  Begin your next team meeting by asking each team member to share something about their childhood (their favorite childhood vacation. most memorable moment, dream of becoming something that did not materialize, etc.)  The conversation will create an energy that fuels awareness and understanding within the team. Ask team members for suggestions on how to build on that energy.