At this stage, teams rise and fall together. When any teammate thrives, everyone benefits. When someone fails, the whole team suffers. The symptoms of struggle in the Trust Stage include a breakdown of psychological safety, tolerance of disrespect, lack of accountability and weak interpersonal connections.
Key Pain Points and Blind Spots
| Key Pain Point | Blind Spot |
|---|---|
| Undercurrent of disrespect | Dysfunctional or toxic exchange is tolerated |
| Lack of accountability | Tasks have inconsistent follow-through or team norms/mission are violated |
| Lack of connection | Teammates seem cautious, distant, or guarded |