2+2=5 Team*WORKS

Follow Through

The importance of following through cannot be understated. Quite simply, following through means always doing what you say that you will do. Team members can develop trust by following through because individuals on the team will begin to form a sense of reliance and trust amongst teammates which will contribute in the long run. If you are constantly failing to do what you say you will do, team members will lose trust in you. We can build trust in ways as simply as arriving at meetings on time and prepared. Martin, a fourth grader, says, “Sean never pays attention to the directions, why should I trust him? How can I trust him?” If we always try to exceed the expectations of our team members and satisfy our responsibilities, then trust will naturally follow.

The way in which trust can impact a team’s performance is limitless. When we fully trust our teammates to come through for the team, we are able to devote full focus to our team responsibilities. Without a strong sense of trust coupled with the other interpersonal values of the 2+2=5 program, a team can not reach its optimal performance. Trust builds a sense of team chemistry that triggers enthusiasm and energy. Jimmy, age nine, added, “If we’re cooking a cake, trust is the icing that can get you that little extra. But if the frosting is no good, that’s all anyone talks about.”