Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my work with teams—and not just the kind in boardrooms or Zoom rooms.

With March Madness in full swing, I’ve also been thinking about another kind of team: the ones competing on college basketball’s biggest stage.

It got me wondering—why do some programs consistently make it back to this elite level, year after year, even as their players rotate out?

Here's what I figured out. 🧠

The teams that stay successful have something powerful going for them.

It's not better shooting. It's not smarter plays. And despite current trends, it's reallly not more money, or even stronger talent.

It's trust.

The leaders—on and off the court—know how to build it, nurture it, and protect it. And in today’s age of constant skepticism and second-guessing, trust might be the most undervalued competitive edge we have.

But let’s be honest: building trust is no layup. It can feel as tricky as sinking a half-court shot at the buzzer. ⏱

Our brains are wired to be suspicious. To scan for risk. To lean into judgment. It’s a survival instinct—but it’s not the soil where great teams, or great relationships, grow.

"A ship in the harbor is safe," goes the old quote, "but that's not what ships are for." ⛴

If you need to generate more trust on your team —whether you're the official leader or just leading your part—dive into this article on my blog:

​Read "Four Leadership Strategies to Build Trust (Psst: They're Unexpected)"​

How about you? What do you do to create trust—or what have you seen that's caused you to trust someone else even more? Hit REPLY and tell me. I always love to hear from you, and I work hard to respond to each and every note. 💌

No matter who you're rooting for Reader, know that I'm always here rooting for you. I'm grateful for your trust in me. Whenever I can help you or your team achieve more shining moments, just ask. And keep soaring!

Always, Darcy

P.S. Headed on spring break soon or know someone who needs a break? Grab a copy of my book in paperback, ebook or Audible. It'll give you the secrets to taking back control of your life at work--and that's all you need to make your break the best one ever. --D

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