Trust is an Essential Factor in True Leadership

A basic element in leadership is trust. To trust means that you have confidence and faith in whomever or whatever you are trusting. Trust is in fact, essential for almost every facet of our lives.

When people talk about trust, they talk mainly in terms of gaining, earning, or reclaiming trust as an external phenomenon. And no doubt, trust is the easiest thing to lose and one of the hardest things to reclaim in human relationships.

How do you gain trust?

Earnest Hemingway said, "The best way to find out if you can trust someone is to trust them." It is better to look for the good in people, than the bad. Try to always keep communication open and talk honestly with them giving them the opportunity to do the same with you. Use your verbal skills to explicitly let people know that you trust and value them. Do not underestimate the power of your words.

In the same way, be cognizant of your physical reactions when people seek to talk to you and vice-verse. We all have an innate ability to sense danger and what’s real. The challenge is to discern real from the perceived danger where trust is concerned. When you override your internal sensor because of words that appeal to your ego and materialistic desires you deny your ability to trust what’s real.

How do you earn trust?

To earn trust, seek to align your actions with your purpose and aim, which should match your true values. When there is consistency in your behavior it will be easier for trust to develop. Always be encouraging to others, listen and learn from those around you as you engage them to work toward common goals. Do not be afraid to be wrong. Admitting your mistakes will go far in building trusting relationships. Also don’t be afraid to trust your internal guidance system. A feeling of rightness inside is distinct from being right and self-righteousness. Rightness aligns with your highest self, the others feeds your ego desires.

What if your trust was violated?

All of us, at some time or another, have dealt with failed expectations, ruined hopes, and crushed dreams. These things happen when our desires and goals are not realized. But remember, we are the holder of our expectations, hopes, and dreams. Honest and open communication unlocks the door to trust if you are on the same path. If you are not, it will save you both from slamming into the door.

We all feel violated and let down when it comes to trust a times. When we are let down, we need to consider that either our expectations were unrealistic, or someone intentionally broke our trust. Most of the time it is the former.

Rarely, with the exception of pathological behavior, will someone seek to purposely ruin the trust of someone they work with, or love. The ability to both trust and be trusted goes hand in hand. If you cannot trust yourself you will be unlikely to trust others, and the inability to trust blocks others from trusting you. It is a slippery slope to traverse. Therefore, be honest with yourself about whether your expectations were in align with reality or if you were truly wronged.

The essential trust factor dispels the myth that true leadership is merely a function of a job well done. True leadership encourages and engages, rather than commands and controls, the best in everyone. In any team environment, whether business, sports, or family, trust is the biggest factor that leads to success and harmony. Lead consistently, honestly, and trust yourself to speak the words and take the actions that lead you through your internal trust door.