Foundations of Trust
Trust is the invisible thread that holds our lives together. I trust that my car will take me from A to B. My kids trust I will wake them up on time to get ready for school. I trust that the food I buy is safe for my family to consume. In both small and significant ways, trust is what makes everything work.
As leaders, trust is not just a feeling - it is the foundation of influence. Our ability to trust others and, in turn, be trusted, shapes the impact we have on our teams, organizations, and relationships.
Dr. Henry Cloud (2023), psychologist and leadership consultant, outlines five key components of trust that can serve as a guide in our professional and personal relationships.
Understanding – Do I take the time to listen and truly understand others?
Motive – Do people believe I act in their best interests?
Ability – Am I capable of delivering what I promise?
Character – Do I act with integrity, even when no one is watching?
Track Record – Have I demonstrated consistency over time?
Trust is built intentionally—through actions, not just words. As leaders, reflecting on our trust-building efforts can strengthen our relationships and enhance our leadership. Consider these questions:
How am I actively building trust with those I work with? What is working? What is not?
Where has trust been broken, and is there an opportunity for repair?
Who are the trusted relationships that fuel my leadership?
Trust is not a given; it is earned. And when cultivated with care, it becomes the most valuable currency in leadership.
References
Cloud, H. (2023). Trust: Knowing when to give it, when to withhold it, how to earn it, and how to fix it when it gets broken. Worthy Publishing.
