Building Trust as the Foundation of Leadership, Part One
Trust is the cornerstone of any effective team, yet it’s often the most fragile component in a workplace. According to Dr. Henry Cloud in Trust, establishing trust is not just about showing up with good intentions. Instead, it's about deeply understanding what builds trust and then working on it daily. Here are the five drivers of trust that leaders should focus on:
Understanding and Caring: Trust begins when team members feel understood and genuinely cared for. This isn’t a checkbox; it’s a mindset that shifts from “I need to prove myself” to “I want to understand you.” For leaders, this means actively listening, seeking to understand challenges, and empathizing with individual perspectives.
Putting the Team First: People trust when they sense that motives are team-focused rather than self-focused. When we truly operate with the team's best interest at heart, trust follows. It’s less about proving worth individually and more about championing the team’s collective goals.
Delivering on Promises: We often talk about delivering results, but trust is born from consistency in delivering on promises. A leader must ask themselves: Do I have the capability to follow through? This includes understanding one’s limitations and seeking assistance when needed to ensure promises are met.
Character and Track Record: Trust grows when a leader’s character consistently aligns with their commitments. A reliable track record signals integrity and trustworthiness. It’s not just about past accomplishments; it’s about continually showing up as someone the team can rely on.
Avoiding Assumptions About Trust: Trust isn’t automatic; it’s earned. Leaders shouldn’t assume they are inherently trusted. Instead, they need to be willing to invest in trust-building activities—getting to know their team, understanding unique motivators, and fostering an environment where trust can thrive.
Call to Action: Take a moment today to reflect on your role as a trust-builder in your team. Identify one way you can invest in building or strengthening trustwith your team members this week, whether by actively listening, acknowledging others’ contributions, or delivering on a commitment. Small steps in trust-building can lead to powerful transformations in your team dynamic.