How to build trust through leading by example

Post-Covid, many technology companies have embraced remote work, yet this shift presents challenges in building strong relationships and trust, particularly within new teams and between business and technology teams. The text emphasizes the importance of fostering a robust corporate culture through regular team interactions and suggests that product managers must lead differently, focusing on facilitating team alignment and understanding customer needs. Successful leadership in product management involves balancing the demands of development and customer satisfaction by maintaining trustworthiness, which is built on credibility, reliability, and intimacy, while minimizing self-orientation. The text underscores the value of regular 1:1 meetings to understand team members' needs and create a safe space for feedback, which enhances trust and productivity. The narrative also shares real-world experiences, illustrating the pitfalls of over-defining projects and the importance of honest, open communication with customers, highlighting that consistent, transparent leadership and rewarding positive behaviors can foster a supportive and efficient team environment.