Leadership isn’t just about making decisions and setting direction—it’s about building relationships. And at the heart of every strong leader-team relationship is trust. The question is, are you building it… or unknowingly breaking it?
Trust isn’t earned through a single grand gesture. It’s built—or eroded—through small, everyday actions that show people whether they can rely on you. Let’s explore what leaders can do to foster trust and the common pitfalls that can quickly undermine it.
How Leaders Build Trust
- Transparency is Key:
Share information openly, even when the news isn’t great. Employees can handle tough news—what they can’t handle is feeling like they’re in the dark. Transparency shows respect and honesty. - Follow Through on Promises:
Trust grows when people know they can count on you. If you say you’ll do something, follow through. Even small commitments matter. - Admit Mistakes and Show Vulnerability:
Leaders don’t need to be perfect. In fact, showing vulnerability—admitting when you’re wrong or unsure—makes you more relatable and trustworthy. It signals that it’s safe for others to do the same. - Give Credit Where It’s Due:
Recognizing your team’s contributions builds trust and boosts morale. A leader who takes credit for others’ work quickly loses respect and loyalty. - Consistency Matters:
People trust leaders who are consistent in their behaviour and decision-making. When your actions align with your words, trust follows.
How Leaders Break Trust (Often Without Realizing It)
- Micromanagement:
Hovering over your team signals you don’t trust them to do their jobs. This can stifle creativity and erode confidence. - Lack of Transparency:
Keeping people in the dark about decisions or changes breeds suspicion and frustration. Even if your intentions are good, withholding information damages trust. - Ignoring Feedback:
When employees voice concerns or offer suggestions, ignoring them sends a clear message: their opinions don’t matter. - Playing Favorites:
Unequal treatment leads to resentment and divides teams. Fairness and equity are essential for trust to thrive. - Inconsistency:
Changing expectations, shifting priorities without explanation, or behaving unpredictably leaves teams feeling unsteady and unsure.
Trust Is a Two-Way Street
While leaders play a critical role in building trust, it’s a two-way street. Trust your team to step up, make decisions, and bring their best selves. When people feel trusted, they’re more likely to reciprocate that trust.
Next week, we’ll explore how to create a culture of trust across entire teams and organizations. Stay tuned!m your blog post “How Leaders Build and Break Trust”]
