Trust First: How SOPs and Culture Create Freedom for Your Team
Gary Vaynerchuk once said, “Expecting an employee to ‘earn’ trust before you give it to them just makes you go slower.” At first, that might sound terrifying. Why would you hand over trust before someone proves themselves? But when you look at companies like Nordstrom, the idea makes sense.
Nordstrom’s legendary employee handbook is just a single page with one directive: “Use your best judgment in all situations.” That level of freedom only works because the company has a deeply rooted culture, clear values, and systems that guide employees toward success.
The Power of Culture and Trust
Nordstrom employees know what great service looks like because the company reinforces it at every level. They promote from within, reward initiative, and make customer service the heart of their culture. So when they give employees freedom, they are not taking a gamble. They are relying on a foundation that is already built.
Gary V’s perspective mirrors this. Giving trust upfront is not about being careless. It is about accelerating growth and creating an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to deliver their best work.
Why SOPs and Training Make Trust Possible
Trust does not exist in a vacuum. To make it real and sustainable, you need systems. That is where SOPs, training guides, and documented processes come in:
Values and Mission Statement → Provide the why behind every decision
SOPs and Processes → Show the how, ensuring consistency
Training Guides → Build confidence and speed up onboarding
When these are in place, you can hand employees trust early because you have already defined what success looks like. Instead of second-guessing themselves, they know where to turn for answers and how to deliver results that align with your company’s goals.
The Win-Win of Trust and Systems
Employees feel empowered, which drives motivation and loyalty
Leaders can step back from micromanaging and focus on growth
Customers receive consistent, high-quality experiences
Giving employees trust before they have “earned it” is not reckless. It is strategic. Just ask Gary V and Nordstrom. With a strong culture, clear values, and the right systems in place, you can empower your team from day one and set your business up for long-term success.
If you are ready to build SOPs and training guides that make trusting your team second nature, let’s connect. I would love to help you create the systems that free you up to focus on growth while your employees confidently carry out the day-to-day.
