“Trust is the essence of leadership.” -Colin Powell
Trust is an essential component of our ability to lead. Without trust, the best we can do is function as a ruler. Ruling is far more taxing both emotionally and financially. Ruling requires more monitoring, more regulating and an eye trained on enforcement. Leadership is centered around trust that goes in both directions. Do you lead or do you rule? And what is trust really? How do we build trust around us and within our organizations?
If trust were a recipe, we could say there are eight basic ingredients that come together to create it. Like any good dish, nearly all of the ingredients are essential for the most complete and satisfying meal. So what does trust look like if you break it down into its smaller components?
Consistency
Consistency reveals one’s character. It is not what we do on one occasion or now and then that defines us, it is what we do every single day.
Clarity
When you understand your mission, purpose and expectations, it is far easier for others to see it too and that can help unify and inspire people.
Compassion
Don’t underestimate the power of real, sincere empathy. We tend to trust people we think care about as us as fellow humans. Feelings of compassion cannot be faked so look for ways you can really connect and care about the people around you.
Character
Character is a mix of integrity, or being the same from beliefs to words to actions, and your internal moral compass. Your moral compass directs you to do what is right over what is easy. When you possess and develop solid character, people trust that you will be fair.
Contribution
A willingness to pitch in wherever it is needed is admirable and in short supply these days. A leader that lends a hand makes a trusted friend in nearly every situation.
Competency
Competency is the wonderful balance of knowing what you are talking about and yet being humble and teachable to new and better ways of doing things. People trust competent leaders more because they have a better sense that your ego won’t lead them in the wrong direction.
Connection
The best relationships are built by establishing sincere connections. So ask questions and listen.
Commitment
Commitment is doing what you set out to do even when it gets hard. People followed great leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Jesus and George Washington because witnessed commitment.
8 C's Excerpted from The Trust Edge by David Horsager
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