In Leaders We Trust

Trust is an important factor in leadership success. Employees at high trust companies have less stress, less absence, and more energy that those who work in low trust environments. This article discussion how important it is to for a leader to build trust with his/her team.

May I add an additional perspective. Trust is difficult to build and easy to lose. Once lost, it is extremely difficult to get back. In addition to building trust with his/her team, a leader must also build trust with key stakeholders and external business partners.

I have been in many difficult M&A and licensing negotiations which would not have concluded successfully if not for the trust that developed between the two sides. At a tough time, trust is often a key factor in breaking the logjam and getting the deal signed. Trust also helps both sides work through complex or even contentious issues in a collaborative way.

As the article states, a leader must deliver on his/her promises. In M&A, one develops a reputation in the industry largely based on how trustworthy they have been on previous transactions and that reputation is critical to their success on future transactions.

In Leaders We Trust: How to Build and Inspire Trust in 2022 | Russell Reynolds Associates