I’ve invested in 20+ startups. The successful ones always have a culture of trust. Most companies secretly don’t trust each other. They have all kinds of trust issues — egos get in the way, issues fester under the surface, and teams become dysfunctional. Mine was the same until I found this simple trust-building exercise, which I’ve now repeated hundreds of times. Here’s how to dramatically improve trust within your company.

Take 15-20 minutes at the start of any informal meeting, such as leadership off-sites or team dinners/drinks. Warn everyone that you’re going to get personal, but that it’ll be fun. Then, go around the room and ask each person these four questions.

1. Where’d you grow up?

• Help them expand.
• Ask follow-up questions.
• Learn about their upbringing.
• Really listen.
  
  

2. Siblings?

• Older or younger?
• What was it like being the [oldest, youngest, only]?
• Context really helps humanize your employees.
  
  

3. Sports or hobbies?

• These are easy things to find in common.
• Get them to elaborate.
• Did they play in high school/college?
• Do they still play?
  
  

4. Biggest challenge?

• This is where things get real.
• People really open up — death in the family, tough upbringing, bullied in the past.
  
  

It’s important to listen attentively and not judge. This simple exercise has a massive impact. People drop their guard, find things in common, and better relate to each other. I’ve seen the trust built through this exercise last for years. Trust me.