Episode 56: The Trust Equation: Why Leaders Get It Wrong

Episode 56

The Trust Equation: Why Leaders Get It Wrong

Episode Summary

Most leaders fundamentally misunderstand how trust works, confusing transparency with oversharing and promises with reliability. Real trust follows the equation: Competence + Character + Care = Trust, built through small consistent actions rather than grand gestures. The biggest trust-killers are leading with credentials instead of connection, making promises about things you can't control, and assuming trust transfers from previous relationships.

Key Points:

1. Trust is an equation (C + C + C = T): Competence alone doesn't build trust - you need Character (integrity and consistency) and Care (having others' best interests at heart) to complete the formula.

2. Small consistent actions beat grand gestures: Following through on tiny commitments like returning emails on time builds more trust than making big promises about company transformation.

3. Show up with no agenda: Trust gets built in non-transactional moments - checking on stressed team members, celebrating wins that don't benefit you, offering support without expecting anything in return.

Resources

• Blog Posts:

  • Building Trust

  • Do You Know it All?

  • The Hidden Key to Thriving Teams: How Trust Unlocks Team Potential

  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

• Free Leadership Toolbox

• Brene Brown

• Patrick Lencioni

• Edelman Trust Barometer Canada Report: Trust in Crisis: Canadians Lose Confidence in Institutions as Grievance Takes Hold (Edelman, 2024)

Related Episodes

• Trust, Technique, and Teamwork: Coaching for Success Without Yelling

• The Case for Quiet Leadership: The Power of Listening

• Leadership and Life Bookshelf: Dare to Lead – Courageous Leadership in Action

• More than a Gold Star: The Lasting Power of Recognition

• The Trust Factor: Building Stronger Teams & Relationships

Listen

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About Jacquie:

Jacquie is the founder of Leadership and Life by Kayric Inc, where she blends the best of teaching, leadership, and the occasional The West Wing reference to help non-profits and small business build strong leaders and healthy teams. Utilizing DISC and The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive team, combined with teaching knowledge and experience, Jacquie strives to empower leaders with the skills no one taught them and to create teams who want to work together.

Formerly a junior high teacher (who loves teenagers), Jacquie brings a decade of classroom wisdom, ten years corporate training experience, a growth mindset, and a sprinkle of mild rebellion to her dynamic approach.

In her free time, Jacquie channels her passion for community improvement by volunteering with school councils, serving on non-profit boards, and generally finding ways to make her corner of the world a better place. You can also find her on the side of a soccer pitch, at Remedy Café or in her scrapbook room.

Contact Jacquie