Leadership Trait 5: Inspires Trust
In this series of blog posts titled, “They Don’t Build Monuments Honoring Managers,” I will be documenting and sharing my thoughts about the eight traits found in GREAT LEADERS. While understanding that leadership styles may vary, the successful, truly transformational leaders I have encountered in my 30+ years in business exhibit these eight traits.
Trait 5: A Great Leader Inspires Trust
Whether in our personal or professional lives, few things are as important as trust. When employees trust their managers, peers, and reports, they are more likely to be productive and have a positive attitude and outlook regarding their employment and employer.
It is the job of a leader to build that trust and there are several steps that can be taken to reach that target.
First, leaders create an environment of respect. This means that they are willing to listen to their employees, value their contributions, and treat them with dignity. When employees feel like they are respected by their managers, they are more likely to trust them and see them as leaders worthy of trust.
Leaders are fair and consistent. True leaders never play favorites and tough decisions are not based on personal feelings or friendships. When employees know that they will be treated fairly and consistently, they are more likely to trust.
Leaders are honest with their employees, even when it is difficult. They are also transparent about their decision-making process. “Just because I said so” may be the answer on occasion but it does not build trust through transparency.
Leaders are open to feedback from their employees. Showing the employee that their input is valued, and that one is willing to listen to their concerns separates a leader from a manager. Openness to feedback, positive or negative, promotes trust and where there is trust, employees are more likely to speak freely and provide valuable input.
A positive attitude can go a long way toward building trust. Employees are more likely to trust a manager who is realistically optimistic than one that is unnecessarily pessimistic.
And finally, ALWAYS keep your promises (or openly explain why you can’t). When leaders make a promise to their employees, they should keep it. This shows that they are reliable and that they can be counted on, which is the definition of trust.
Trust is ultimately about reliability and accountability. Leaders emerge from the ranks not through a title which can be given, but through trust, which is earned.
Inspires Trust is the fifth of eight traits in the series and over the next several weeks, I will touch on each of those eight traits. As a preview, “A Great Leader Has Followers” will be the sixth trait in the series. Please follow RWSmith Education, Training, and Consulting on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/87207378/) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/rwsmithetc) for a link to each post. Or one may visit www.rwsmithetc.com/blog to catch up on past posts. Appropriate comments are encouraged and please follow us, comment on, and “like” these social media posts if you find them valuable. Finally, forward this to your friends… or maybe your manager.