The Foundation Stones of Great Leadership Part 3
Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership in any business context. However, building and maintaining trust can be challenging, especially in a corporate environment where trust deficits often exist. Trust, the firm belief in the reliability, truth, and ability of someone, is essential for fostering collaboration, innovation, and loyalty.
How do you define it?
Trust enables a different speed – I read in the papers recently about a new mode of transport that is being tested. It is a train that will travel at speeds in excess of 600mph. It will be done by pods moving inside a tube where there a vacuum has been created. The first test with people over a 500m section has already happened. Frictionless travel. Trust is one of those things which enables things to move faster in teams because there is less friction.
So what kind of leader are you? Are you trustworthy, do you cultivate an environment of trust? The recent General Election in the UK raises the topic once more of trust in our politicians. Unless you realise that trust is exactly like a bank account you will make withdrawals on an account which is already overdrawn. Trust requires you to make deposits and it starts with the leader.

The Causes of a Lack of Trust in Business
1. Broken Promises:
Leaders who fail to deliver on commitments erode trust among employees, customers, and stakeholders. In a very real way trust is like faith and when that is eroded those around lose faith in you.
2. Lack of Transparency:
Opacity in decision-making processes and hidden agendas contribute to a lack of trust in leadership. It is entirely possible that you wanted to be clear in your process. However when it comes across as unclear the default position is to believe something else is going on.
3. Unwillingness To Admit Mistakes:
It is impossible to get through your life as a leader without making a mistake. When you decide not to apologise for making them, ignore the fact and brush it under the carpet the result is an erosion of trust in your leadership.
4. Corporate Politics:
Internal power struggles and corporate politics create an environment where trust is difficult to build and maintain. Choosing to play this game means that those around you will always wonder if they are a means to an end or whether you really care. It’s a difficult reputation to shake.
5. Historic Betrayals:
Previous experiences of betrayal and unethical behaviour by corporate leaders leave a lasting impact on trust levels. When you take up a new role in leadership those who report to you will be asking can I trust you?
Building an Environment of Trust
1. Consistency in Actions and Words:
Leaders should ensure their actions consistently align with their words. Keeping promises and following through on commitments builds a foundation of trust. Don’t make a promise unless it is certain. Under promise and over deliver.
2. Transparent Communication:
Foster transparent communication by regularly updating employees and stakeholders on decisions and the rationale behind them. Give your team the information they need to prepare and plan for any changes coming up.
3. Employee Engagement:
Actively engage employees through town halls, surveys, and open forums to listen to their concerns and involve them in decision-making processes. Any environment where you expect contribution has to be safe. The knowledge that my colleagues and the leader have their back and welcome their contribution is by intention not by accident.
The work of building character is not the easiest but it means you know you have not compromised who you are. What next step can you take to work on your character?
4. Be Vulnerable:
Making it clear when situations are challenging is not a sign of weakness. Inviting others in to help you as you navigate choppy waters is something that will engender trust and collaboration.
The work of building character is not the easiest but it means you know you have not compromised who you are. What next step can you take to work on your character?
5. You Go First:
To build trust you have to trust. As you lead no matter how many times you have been burnt you have to trust those around you. It does expose you but with appropriate coaching and mentoring most people will do a good job.
The work of building character is not the easiest but it means you know you have not compromised who you are. What next step can you take to work on your character?
Remember
Stephen M.R. Covey helpfully talks about the economic impact of trust and the lack of it by using a simple formula:
“When trust goes up, speed will also go up and costs will go down.” The opposite is also true.
The work of building character is not the easiest but it means you know you have not compromised who you are. What next step can you take to work on your character?