Skill Builder: Archived Page

March 11, 2010

Scaffolding Trust in De-Privatizing Practice

Trust has often been referred to as both the "glue" and "lubricant" needed for successful collaboration. Trust, as the "glue," binds community members to one another. Trust, as the "lubricant," minimizes the friction often noted in communicating conflicting points of few. Whether a group is in need of more or less glue and lubrication may be based on prior experience as well as on the context and content of the dialogue. Trust then becomes an essential consideration in determining appropriate group processes.

If levels of trust are strong among and between group members, small groups composed of 5–7 members with similar or mixed responsibilities or roles may be successful. If trust is tenuous, and the environment for dialogue is not considered "safe," opportunities for even smaller group dialogue may be important. One-on-one conversation allows for more opportunity for each voice to contribute to the learning and also be heard. As pairs begin to experience true listening and attention to their perspective, trust begins to take hold. As trusting behaviors are observed among participants, combining pairs to gain greater perspective before regrouping pairs may enhance comfort levels and expand trust between groups.

Reflection

What might be some indicators of increasing trust that would guide your decision-making when selecting the appropriate group structure or process for group dialogue?

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