Here's how you can foster strong relationships with your team members.

1. _Open communication 2. _Active listening 3. _Collaborative problem-solving_: Work together to address environmental challenges. 4. _Recognition and appreciation 5. _Team-building activities_: Organize events and training that promote bonding and camaraderie. 6. _Empowerment and autonomy_: Encourage ownership and decision-making. 7. _Support and resources_: Provide necessary tools, training, and guidance. 8. _Positive feedback and constructive criticism 9. _Respect and inclusivity 10. _Lead by example_: Demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and teamwork. 11. _Regular check-ins and feedback_: Hold regular meetings and solicit feedback. 12. _Celebrate milestones and successes

Remember that trust is a two way street. Your team is likely very good at what they do. Of course you need to check in on them, and verify projects are completed to standards, but you should trust your team to do the job. Trust them to be the professionals they are. Give them space and freedom to get things done. When they know you trust them, they will be more likely to come to you when they do need help, or advice.

Trust is vital in Environmental Services for effective teamwork. Transparency about goals, roles, and expectations creates a supportive environment. Open communication fosters innovation and problem-solving. When trust is strong, team members feel valued, freely share knowledge, and collaborate towards common environmental goals. This enhances project outcomes and the team's ability to innovate, ensuring sustainable success in environmental stewardship.

1. *Build Trust*: - Be reliable and follow through on commitments - Be transparent in decision-making and actions - Maintain confidentiality when necessary - Be consistent in words and actions - Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship.

Well. I think it’s best to be honest about one’s goals. If there is competition within a team I personally will leave if it involves competition outside of the fences of work. If tat relates to my goals outside the fences of things that are work- related. Because that therefore ruins both work and social life in my experience.

*Communicate Clearly*: - Listen actively and ask questions to understand perspectives - Clarify expectations and provide regular feedback - Be approachable and open to feedback - Use clear and concise language, avoiding ambiguity - Encourage open and honest communication Effective communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Clear communication helps to build trust and fosters a sense of teamwork.

With Hazmat for instance it was always based on the idea of “muscle memory.” Which is saying consistency in safety at work and when away from work.

it's important to make sure everyone understands these concepts. Regular meetings, detailed briefings, and clear documentation can help maintain clarity. Remember to listen actively to your team members and acknowledge their contributions, which will help reinforce their value within the team.

*Show Appreciation*: - Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements - Express gratitude and acknowledgment of efforts and contributions - Provide rewards and incentives for outstanding performance - Show appreciation for milestones and special occasions - Make appreciation a regular part of your interactions Showing appreciation boosts morale, motivation, and job satisfaction. It encourages team members to continue performing well and fosters a positive work environment.

I agree. However, in my experience You can kill morale if there’s the habit of taking credit for other people’s work and of course, I tend to think to not hire people you don’t actually want. I think if you think you want to be charitable then give them something substantial but don’t ruin your culture you’ve spent time to foster because you want to be a “ good” guy. You can but they don’t need to mix. Like help them find a place where they belong. But if you BS them thinking they are not going to know that’s unlikely.

Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and provide positive feedback regularly. This not only boosts morale but also encourages a culture of recognition and gratitude within the team.

*Encourage Growth*: - Provide opportunities for training, mentorship, and development - Support continuous learning and education - Encourage taking on new challenges and responsibilities - Help team members set and achieve their goals - Foster a growth mindset and embrace failures as learning opportunities Encouraging growth shows that you value your team members' development and care about their future. This leads to increased job satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

I think this is essentially being a good coach, which is knowing what motivates your players in the sense that if you insult them with a crappy reward for something requires a lot of time and expertise people who are self- respecting will not hang around very long.

In the Environmental Services sector, staying updated with the latest environmental regulations, technologies, and best practices is crucial. Support your team members in pursuing further education, attending workshops, or gaining certifications relevant to their roles. This not only benefits their career development but also enhances the collective expertise of your team.

*Resolve Conflicts*: - Address conflicts promptly and fairly - Listen to all perspectives and remain impartial - Focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame - Encourage open communication and respect - Follow up to ensure conflicts are truly resolved Conflicts are inevitable, but it's how you handle them that matters. Resolving conflicts effectively maintains trust, respect, and a positive work environment.

The first point is critical. Unless it’s someone you are setting up for failure you should let them know what “ Complaints” or friction is based on that they may feel.

Foster an environment where conflicts are seen as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Facilitate open discussions to find common ground and reach resolutions that align with your team's environmental goals and values.

Empathy : While everything mentioned above is critical but one emotion which can ensure a bond that will last forever is Empathy. A leader is part of the life journey of many team members and they expect guidance , mentorship and emotional and professional support. Building that human connection will help the relationship go a long way. So while they share their situations, concerns be genuinely concerned be a good listener and empathize with their situation to give the best response not only as a corporate Manager but also as a Mentor.