Leadership That Builds Trust
Trust is the core asset of leadership. A leader cannot command, speed up, or create trust artificially, but it is the receiving of trust from people that determines whether they will choose to follow, commit, and believe. Trust, in an era of increased transparency, incessant change, and mounting distrust, has become the main factor that distinguishes a leader with temporary power from a leader with lasting influence. A leadership that earns trust not only gets the results it aims for—it also generates stability, credibility, and loyalty, which survive the passage of time.
It is not power or position that gives a leader long-lasting influence. Such influence is, in fact, derived from trust, which, as we know, cannot be earned in a day, but rather slowly and consistently.
Trust Starts with Being Consistent In What You Say And Do
Leaders’ follow-through on their promises is what builds trust. The alignment between words and deeds is a signal of the characteristics of a person – in this case, a leader – namely, integrity and reliability. When people experience that their leaders keep their promises to them and that they apply the set standards in a right and fair way, they can’t help but be raised in their confidence in the leaders’ good intent.
Inconsistent leaders who are also known for changing their stance without explaining and for applying rules selectively lose the trust of their followers very quickly. On the other hand, those who consistently demonstrate that their behavior matches their intentions provide a firm basis that others can draw support from, particularly when the future is uncertain.
Respect is the Foundation of a Sense of Safety
The development of trust is closely associated with an understanding that one is respected, and hence, that one’s dignity is preserved. A leader who listens attentively to the speaker, acknowledges the different opinions, and sympathizes with them is basically creating a safe psychological space. Hence, in these types of environments, the people involved feel the freedom to express their views, to share ideas, and to raise questions without the fear of receiving punishment.
Respect is not only expressed by words but also by showing attention, being fair, and being inclusive. When people experience being respected, they become loyal to leadership, and they commit themselves wholeheartedly to the achievement of the common goals.
Trust Treated Like a Moral Compass
Ethics and trust go hand in hand. Leaders who take care to make ethical decisions even when it results in loss or inconvenience to themselves are those who receive the respect of others most deeply and for the longest period of time. Damage to one’s integrity may be small at a time, but if one keeps on doing it, this will result in a loss of trust well beyond the immediate moment.
Besides that, ethical leadership gives a framework of morals that guides decision-making when the rules are not clear and there is pressure. This relieves the anxiety of the stakeholders as they are sure now that the leaders’ choices are based on principles rather than on opportunities.
Trust can Be Strengthened Through Empowerment
Trust is a two-way street. Hence, the leaders who have faith in their subordinates to the extent that they delegate power to them, share data, and facilitate independence will also be trusted. To empower a person means to trust that s/he has the right skills and judgement.
As a result, these individuals who feel that others trust them will take ownership of the work more willingly, they will perform at a higher level because of their increased self-confidence, and they will also engage in a deeper way with their work. Thus, influence slowly but surely grows when trust is reciprocated.
Trust – The Core of Influence
The influence that derives from trust is a strong one. It is not dependent on being constantly watched or enforced. People are attracted to trusted leaders, and therefore, they follow and not out of obligation, they glorify them and do it openly. They are with the leaders even if the situation is difficult.
The circle of this influence is not limited to the closest co-workers only. The customers, partners, and stakeholders who are the winners in the organizations under the leadership of the credible and trustworthy teams will respond positively to them. Hence, the reputation, as well as the long-term success, will be strengthened.
