Insights on Leadership Trust from Stephen M.R. Covey
Leadership trust begets trust.
“It’s possible to have two trustworthy people working together, both trustworthy and yet, no trust between them.” – Stephen M.R. Covey.
I was delighted to have this important conversation with Stephen M. R. Covey where we both keynoted the Northview Church LEADS Conference. The conference was all about COURAGEOUS leadership. This concept is something I believe so deeply. If you want people to trust you, you’ve got to trust them.
Stephen shares, “If the outcome you want is trust, a high trust team, high trust culture, yes, we have to be trustworthy. We earn that. But we also have to be trusting. It’s the combination of being both trustworthy and trusting. It creates trust. I find bigger gaps and creating trust in teams and organizations is less that people aren’t trustworthy. Although, sometimes, that’s the case. And it’s more often that we’re not trusting.”
Leaders go first. Watch this #askingforafriend video for PRACTICAL tips to do this well, as well as some practical ways to restore leadership trust once it’s broken.
The Essence of Leadership Trust
It seems kind of wonky right? How can two trustworthy people not trust one another? Stephen M.R. Covey shares how. Sometimes it is not about whether they trust you. It could be whether you trust them.
Building a Culture of Trust
Creating a culture of leadership trust requires courage, openness, and a commitment to transparency. Here are some steps you can take to cultivate leadership trust:
- Demonstrate Trust: Leaders must lead by example. Show trust in your team’s abilities and decisions. This act of faith encourages a reciprocal response, fostering a supportive and trusting team dynamic.
- Communicate Openly: Open lines of communication are the backbone of leadership trust. Encourage honest dialogue, share information freely, and address concerns and misunderstandings promptly.
- Acknowledge Vulnerability: Admitting mistakes and showing vulnerability are powerful trust builders. They humanize you, making you more relatable and trustworthy.
- Empower Others: Trusting your team with responsibilities and decision-making authority empowers them and boosts their confidence. It also signals your leadership trust in their capabilities, further solidifying the trust foundation.
Restoring Broken Leadership Trust
Mistakes happen, and leadership trust can be broken. To fix it, acknowledge the mistake, apologize, and take tangible steps to rebuild the trust. This process is neither quick nor easy, but with patience and consistency, it is possible to mend fences and strengthen relationships.
The Ripple Effect
The benefits of a high-trust environment extend far beyond the immediate team or organization. Leadership trust fosters innovation, enhances collaboration, and improves overall performance. Moreover, it contributes to a positive organizational culture that attracts and retains talent.
The conversation with Stephen M.R. Covey underscores a critical lesson: Trust is both a gift and a responsibility. It demands a delicate balance of being trustworthy and being willing to trust others. By embracing this dual approach, you can unlock the full potential of your team and pave the way for transformative change.
Powerful Phrases to Navigate Conflict and Build Trust:
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