Google’s quest to build the perfect team uncovered that the number one indicator of a high-performing, innovative team is the degree of psychological safety in that group. This is really the academic, PhD word for “interpersonal trust,” which develops largely through social connections.
We define rapport as “creating a relationship of trust.” Through our work speaking, training, coaching, and mentoring organizations, we too have found that establishing “connection before content” and building relationships of trust creates shortcuts to more effective communication.
We suggest that oftentimes the root to these communication shortcuts and relationships of trust starts by following our natural, genuine curiosity. Experience is the greatest teacher, though, so, by all means, utilize the tools in this chapter to build more trusting relationships and collect your own research on the impact of your curiosity.