As a small business owner, one of your most important responsibilities is to build rapport with your team. Why? Because when your team trusts and respects you, they’re more likely to buy into your vision and work hard to achieve goals.

Here are a few simple tips for building rapport with your team:

1. Get to know them on a personal level

If you want your team to trust and respect you, it’s important to get to know them on a personal level. Take the time to learn about their interests, hobbies, and families. This will help you build a stronger connection with them.

2. Communicate openly and honestly

Open and honest communication is key to building rapport with your team. Keep them updated on company news and developments, and be transparent about any challenges or obstacles you’re facing. This will help them feel like they’re part of the team and not just “cogs in the machine.”

3. Be a good listener

Rapport is built on trust and mutual respect, and one of the best ways to show respect is to simply listen to what your team has to say. Whether it’s a new idea for the company or a personal issue they’re facing, make sure you give them your undivided attention. This will show that you value their input and opinions.

4. Be supportive

Your team will be more likely to trust and respect you if they know you have their back. So, be supportive of their individual goals and objectives, and help them overcome any challenges they’re facing. This will show them that you’re invested in their success.

5. Be consistent

If you want to build trust with your team, you need to be consistent in your words and actions. This means following through on your promises, being fair and objective, and treating everyone with respect. If your team knows they can count on you to be consistent, they’ll be more likely to trust and respect you.

Remember, "Teamwork makes the dream work!" If you want to build a lasting legacy with your business, take time to focus on your leadership skills and build a strong team. The investment you make in growing your team will pay off 10-fold over time!