Trust.

Michael Jordan had all 9 points the Bulls had scored in the 4th quarter. But John Paxson is trusted to take the shot that wins the game, and the Finals for the Bulls.

Trust is core in all relationships.

In a romantic relationship, it’s the quiet force that holds everything together. With trust intact, both people move with confidence and ease, free to be fully themselves.

But break trust in the smallest of ways and—pow(!)—cold shoulder.

Say something funny? “Not today, Junior.”
Open the door? “I can get that myself, Pal.”
Dinner? “You're on your own.”

But on the field, trust is often treated as something we can compete without. After all, we're just here to win the game. This isn't about feelings or relationships. We're at work. We can move past anything between the lines.

Oh oh oh, that's a dangerous proposition…

The trust we have in one another is the foundation on which our best performances are built.

Watch a good soccer team move the ball—selfless, clean, constantly scanning and anticipating, trusting that teammates are seeing the same picture. A water polo player sees two moves ahead, confident in the rhythm of the play. A wide receiver trusts their quarterback to look off the cornerback and doesn't give up on the route. Michael Jordan trusted

Now watch a team with trust issues:

This is the Kevin Durant era in Golden State, when he and Draymond clearly had trust issues. This wasn't the first game the two clashed, and it was a highly talked-about attribute that likely left a lot of potential unrealized.

Everyone’s guessing, second-guessing, holding back. It’s chaos disguised as competition.

Building trust takes time.
Breaking it takes a single moment.

Let's focus on how to build and nourish trust that sets the stage for best possible outcomes:

1. Start with Consistent Systems, Not Speeches
Trust isn’t built on motivational talks—it’s built on predictable behaviors. Create clear, consistent systems that athletes can rely on. When expectations and routines stay stable, players feel safe enough to take risks, communicate, and lean on each other.

2. Use Reflection to Create Psychological Safety

Trust is deepened when athletes are given space to be honest without punishment. Reflection moments at the end of practice are simple but powerful—especially when coaches model vulnerability themselves.

3. Trust Grows Through Shared Hard Things

Teams bond most through challenge—not comfort. When athletes experience difficult moments together and respond with support (not blame), trust compounds.

4. Highlight Trust Moments Publicly

Catch it when it happens. When someone encourages a teammate, keeps a streak alive, or quietly holds the standard, call it out in real time. Trust becomes part of your team culture when it’s recognized as often as talent.

okay, new thing, Find Five this week and try this:

WEEKLY HUDDLE

→ THINK (say this)
Trust isn’t built in speeches. It’s built in the small moments when you choose your team over yourself.

→DO (try this)
Share one example of a teammate you trust completely—and why. Then, talk about one small action you can take this week to earn someone else’s trust.

→GO (leave this)
Trust is invisible until it breaks.
Protect it like it's the most valuable thing you have—because it is.

And As always, remember:

Little by little, greatness grows.

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