Deferral of judgment is the gateway to innovative thinking and building trust. Research shows that the following thinking skills can be learned:

• Avoid making premature negative judgments (both when working alone and with others)

• Do not jump prematurely to a conclusion as to what the “real problem” is
• Demonstrably value and welcome other points of view as opportunities to strengthen a solution, rather than as an ego threat

• React positively to new ideas
• Pause to deliberately try an unusual approach rather than automatically relying on traditional, established approaches
• When approached by someone, with a new thought, always give credit for thinking first and then discuss the idea afterward.

These behaviors trigger a safe space for innovative thinking and a new culture for faster, better problem solving and genuine trust. This is very different from hoping that climbing mountains or fording streams on a team-building adventure, will change old habits when returning to work. Instead, real trust gradually develops as team members master the deferral of judgment skills.