The trust factor in leadership Part 1

Trust is the bedrock of any relationship. Without trust a team is bound to disintegrate sooner or later. A leader must ensure he creates an atmosphere where trust is in abundant supply in his team – trust must flow unhindered from the leader to the followers and vice versa.

“Whether a friendship, family relationship, or business or personal partnership, any bond is built on trust. Without trust, you have nothing. With it, you can do great things. Think about it.” Lolly Daskal

The issue of trust cannot be over emphasized in leadership.

“Leadership requires five ingredients – brains, energy, determination, trust, and ethics. The key challenges today are in terms of the last two–trust and ethics.” Fred Hilmer

One of the biggest problems in leadership today is trust and this problem has led a diminished leadership influence. Trust is a big issue in leadership today and a leader who will be effective and maximize his leadership potential must not downplay the issue of trust. The days of exercising leadership influence through autocratic means is over.

“The ability to establish, grow, extend, and restore trust is the key professional and personal competency of our time.” Steven Covey

There are some tell-tale signs of lack of trust or the existence of low trust within a team which a leader must quickly identify and deal with.

When the followers are reluctant to carry out the instructions and directives of the leader then, there is a problem with trust. When you trust somebody there will be no delay or hindrance in carrying out the person’s wishes or desires.

“Trust each other again and again. When the trust level gets high enough, people transcend apparent limits, discovering new and awesome abilities of which they were previously unaware.” David Armistead

When followers just do the barest minimum that needs to be done they are simply saying they do not trust the leadership.  Trust never holds back. Trust always goes the extra mile.

“When a gifted team dedicates itself to unselfish trust and combines instinct with boldness and effort, it is ready to climb.” Patanjali

Where there is no trust or the trust within a group is low cooperation will be a tough task. Lack of trust will breed internal wrangling within the team and competitive jealousy which will greatly hinder the effectiveness of the team. Where there is trust there will be no gossip, backbiting or slander.

“When people honor each other, there is a trust established that leads to synergy, interdependence, and deep respect. Both parties make decisions and choices based on what is right, what is best, what is valued most highly.” Blaine Lee

Rebellion is a sign of lack of trust. Trust is built over time and cannot be demanded but must be earned. Trust is a function of the right mix of character, competence and communication. An incompetent leader cannot earn the trust of his followers as everyone will know he does not have the capacity to get the job done.

For a leader to effectively carry out his leadership task he must make the issue of trust a priority.

To Be Continued

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