Build Trust First

A new leader’s primary objective ought to be building trust with the people they will lead. Trust is the foundation of leadership. Trust is an attitude that allows people to rely on and place confidence in other people. Trust acts as emotional glue, holding together leaders and followers. 

“Do my people trust me?” is the central question of leadership, and leaders must continually monitor the level of trust that exists on their team.  In the words of Warren Bennis “trust cannot be acquired but must be earned. It is given by followers and without it, the leader can’t function.”

A prerequisite to earning trust is self-confidence. The leader who wavers indecisively and projects self-doubt has no chance to win the backing of followers. Leaders who are secure in their abilities, put others at ease and invite their trust.  

Here are 3 ways to build trust:

Show respect. Followers are like mirrors; they reflect back the level of trust that’s shown to them.

Be dependable. Once people are convinced that the leader is on their side, fighting for them, they naturally extend trust.

Speak truthfully. Being truthful involves consistency and honesty. A leader demonstrates consistency by making words and actions compatible.

Perhaps nothing evaporates trust faster than when leaders break promises. Honest leaders mean what they say, and they refuse to shy away from the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. In the long run, people trust and appreciate straight-talkers more than sweet-talkers. 

—The Coaching and Leadership Journal

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You (10th Anniversary Edition) by John C. Maxwell