What’s the most important thing a leader has to do?
Irrespective who you talk to, one of the most important things a leader has to be able to do is create trust. You can be the most credible person in that you may have the most knowledge and be the best at what you do but without being able to establish trust, your credibility counts for nothing. This may seem so obvious but more often than not the obvious is ignored.
What’s the simplest way a leader can build trust?
- Involve team members in the decision making process and give them feedback on the quality of their decisions – this is what empowerment means.
- Manage expectations – be clear, responsible and consistent in what you expect
- Play to others’ strengths – focus on what they good at. Help them develop their strengths – coach them
- Develop common goals and shared values – know what you and others value. In other words, know what’s important to each one of your team members.
- Be the change you want to see in others – demonstrate what it is you expect from and in others. this is about integrity.
- Be humble – be open to your vulnerabilities. Say, “I don’t know”, “what do you think” and “I need help” often.
How have you gone about building and maintaining trust amongst your stakeholders? I look forward to sharing in your insights
