Building Trust: A CEO’s Masterclass
Trust is such a huge, subtle thing, and if you spend any time at all on one of the various 'socials', you will probably witness declining trust in real-time.
Trust is measured worldwide too. One of the most widely used tools is the World Values Survey, and it indicates that as of 2022, 49% of Australians generally agree that most people can be trusted! I was surprised by this, but maybe you are not.
Edelman's Trust Barometer suggests that business is generally more trusted than other institutions to introduce innovations to society. Over time, there has been a steady decline in our trust, to the point where it is being described as a crisis of trust.
There are many sayings and quotations about trust, and leadership books are full of discussions about it. Trust is one of the cornerstones of effective leadership…. Its importance in building relationships, fostering a constructive workplace, and getting stuff done is emphasised.
Trust is a commodity
Although trust is intangible, it can be said to be a commodity, because it is valuable, it can be exchanged in a way, it can undoubtedly be depleted, and it can be rebuilt.
Like most things, trust usually needs to be earned. So, how do you keep topping up that piggy bank of trust? As a person with some formal power and authority, you are often required to make decisions that let people down in some way, meaning there’s a good chance you’re spending your hard-earned trust as quickly as you nurture it.
A culture of trust
Recently, I witnessed a CEO whose leadership seems to have evoked a profound level of trust; so much so that his team felt comfortable probing his motivations openly in front of him during a workshop I was facilitating. It was very unusual!
I suspect that the key to this CEO's success lies in the integration of trust-building into his leadership style – it’s not a superficial strategy, but a fundamental belief.
Cultivating profound trust
Here are some things that can help to build trust with your team.
Be Transparent and Authentic
Share the reasons behind your decisions openly. This means communicating both the triumphs and the challenges with honesty. Transparency builds a bridge of trust and invites your team to walk alongside you.Empower Through Relationships
Foster authentic connections. The greater the understanding between leader and team, the stronger the bonds of trust. Invest time in developing these relationships sincerely.Trust as an Emergence
Understand that trust isn't a checkbox—it’s an emergent quality of healthy relationships. It's nurtured through genuine exchanges and experiences. Focus on creating experiences and environments where trust can naturally flourish.Lead with Humility
Accept that no one person holds all the answers. Acknowledge the contributions of each team member and lead with a spirit of humility and openness to learning from others. Be open to learning with your team.Create a Safe Environment
The next newsletter will be on this one facet. What defines a ‘safe place’ is becoming highly contentious. Nevertheless, encourage your team to voice their ideas, concerns, and even disagreements without fear of retribution. This openness is foundational to cultivating trust.
Why Trust Matters More Now
In our rapidly changing world, leaders face increasing unpredictability and complexity. As such, the traditional command-and-control approach is less effective. Leaders need to rouse trust to navigate through uncharted territories and galvanise their teams to tackle new challenges collaboratively.
With trust, teams are more courageous, innovative and resilient. Employees will not only perform their tasks but will engage deeply, bringing their best selves to work. This is vital in creating a dynamic environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the organisation's vision.
Your Trust-Building Checklist
As you reflect on your own leadership, ask yourself:
Are my decisions and actions consistent with my values?
How do I communicate transparency and authenticity to my team?
What steps have I taken this week to deepen relationships with my team members?
Where am I creating spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and heard?
Building trust usually takes time and demands patience, consistency, and a genuine commitment to the growth and wellbeing of your team.
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