How Better Listening Builds Trust—and Drives Collaboration in the Workplace

We all love conversations where we feel genuinely heard. When someone listens to us attentively, it creates a powerful sense of being understood and valued. Professions like coaching, psychiatry, and counseling are built on this foundation—using deep listening to build trust and connection.

But here’s the hidden truth: trust isn’t just a “nice to have” in one-on-one conversations—it’s the bedrock of collaboration in the workplace. Without trust, collaboration stalls. People hesitate to share ideas, avoid risks, and work in silos. When trust is high, teams communicate openly, solve problems faster, and achieve better outcomes.

And one of the most overlooked ways to build that trust? Listening.

Why Listening Is Essential for Collaboration in the Workplace

Although we know the value of good listening, most of us find it challenging. Listening demands focus and patience, while speaking feels more rewarding—our brains actually release dopamine when we talk about ourselves. But if we want to drive true collaboration in the workplace, we must flip that instinct and lean into active, intentional listening.

Here’s how better listening directly fuels trust—and why that trust transforms teamwork:

• It shows respect: When you listen fully, people feel seen and heard.

• It creates psychological safety: People are more willing to share ideas and feedback when they trust they’ll be heard without judgment.

• It reduces misunderstandings: Active listening clears up assumptions, leading to smoother collaboration.

Trust grows from these small moments—and as trust deepens, collaboration becomes natural and fluid.

Four Science Backed Listening Strategies to Build Trust

If you want to strengthen collaboration in the workplace by building trust, start with these proven listening habits:

1. Stop Talking: It seems simple, but it’s powerful. Talking relieves our cognitive load and feels good, but it blocks us from truly hearing others. Research suggests our listeners’ attention fades after 20 seconds of speaking. By pausing regularly, you signal presence and respect—key ingredients for building trust.

2. Avoid Jumping to Conclusions: Our brains love shortcuts, often forming snap judgments. But these judgments leak out through body language, damaging trust. To break this habit, stay curious. Ask yourself: “What might I be missing?” This openness not only deepens understanding but reassures others that their perspective matters.

3. Ask “What” Instead of “Why”: “Why” questions can make people defensive, while “what” questions invite openness. For example, instead of “Why did you choose that approach?” try “What was your thinking at the time?” This subtle shift keeps conversations constructive and builds psychological safety—strengthening trust.

4. Label and Validate Emotions: Trust thrives when people feel their emotions are acknowledged. Labeling emotions—e.g., “It sounds like you’re frustrated”—helps people feel understood and diffuses tension. Even if your label isn’t perfect, the effort shows empathy and deepens trust.

Trust Is the Shortcut to Collaboration

In high-stakes or stressful situations, poor listening can trigger what’s known as an “amygdala hijack”—where the brain’s fight-or-flight response takes over, shutting down logical thinking. But by staying calm, labeling emotions, and listening deeply, you prevent defensiveness and keep conversations productive.

Ultimately, collaboration in the workplace doesn’t start with brainstorming sessions or project plans—it starts with trust. And trust is built, moment by moment, through how well we listen.

We often think of collaboration as a process issue—tools, structures, workflows. But underneath it all is something much simpler (and harder): trust. By mastering the art of listening, you lay the foundation for the kind of trust that makes collaboration seamless, creative, and rewarding.