Engaging team members is integral to effective trauma team function. The skills of engagement are acquired as leaders move from unconscious incompetence through to unconscious competence where engaging team members will seem automatic. The ten principles of engagement include: engage in self-reflection, practice active listening, mentor critical thinking, provide constructive feedback, adopt a spirit of servant leadership, offer continual encouragement, engage in successful dialogue, resolve conflict effectively, set realistic expectations, and look for opportunities. Engaging virtual teams can assist in relationship building and be achieved by development of a communication charter and providing time for virtual water cooler discussions. Simulation-based learning in the trauma team setting can provide role definition, enhance efficiencies, and assist communications. It is especially suited to development of the skills of engaging team members as scenarios can be repeated following an effective debrief. Engaging team members is of primary importance to optimal performance of the trauma team.