To The Unknown And Beyond
I heard it said once that trust is something others give to us. Therefore, we gain trust by small, consistent actions and behaviors. Our followers must have confidence in our abilities (expertise), intentions (vision), integrity (authenticity), and character (trusted advisor). In the context the work I do I need to be a trusted advisor versus a technical expert. Expertise has become very easy to find. I need to be trusted to help.
This week the following great question was posed by our Head Tutor, Anne McCarthy, in the leadership program I am in right now at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School: “What is it about your leadership practice that means your followers can trust you to lead them to the unknown?” I loved this thought of leading into the unknown. That is really what having a vision and being visionary is all about; moving into a future that is unknown with confidence.
As a trusted leader my followers and those I partner with have confidence in my abilities, intentions, and integrity. Here are few key factors that I believe this trust in me stems from:
- “Walk The Talk” or Lead by Example: We must model the behavior we expect from others. Being authentic and demonstrating the values we promote will inspire trust and followership.
- Reliability: Simply put, a trusted leader does what they say they are going to do. We must consistently meet expectations and follow through on commitments.
- Authentic and Transparent: Open communication about decisions, processes, and challenges fosters trust. When we share information honestly, it builds credibility.
- Integrity: We need to be trustworthy leaders and act ethically, while adhering to our core values. Our actions align with our words, demonstrating authenticity.
- Empathy: Showing understanding and concern for the needs and feelings of those we serve helps build emotional connections, making individuals more likely to trust us.
- Competence: A leader must have the skills and knowledge necessary to guide the organization effectively. Confidence in our expertise contributes significantly to trust.
- Supportiveness: Providing encouragement and constructive feedback reinforces a sense of safety and belonging among team members, which cultivates trust.
This list of key factors is certainly not exhaustive, but by incorporating these practices, we are in a better position to effectively build and maintain trust, creating a more cohesive and high-performing team. Are you ready for the unknown and beyond?
Byron's Babbles 
[…] Since my blog is my journal I posted my thoughts. You can read last week’s question and entry in To The Unknown And Beyond. This week’s question was, “Are you choosing to spend your time on the work that really […]
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