How Can You Lead With No Trust

Jim sat down with his manager for a performance review over the past six months, and he was taken aback by the feedback he received. His manager said,

 “Jim, you need to be tougher with your team. Show them who’s in charge.”

The organization had developed quite a toxic culture, but Jim had always prided himself on being a positive exception. It was disheartening for him to feel pressured to adopt a management style that contradicted his personal values and leadership approach. As time went on and the pressure became increasingly overwhelming, Jim ultimately made the difficult decision to leave the company. His team was stunned and saddened by his departure.

It’s hard to blame Jim; how can anyone inspire and lead effectively in an environment filled with distrust between employees and management? One of the most common challenges leaders face, as highlighted by David Horsager, is the misconception that trust comes automatically with their title. It’s important to recognize that trust is not something that is bestowed upon you because of your position.

It must be nurtured and earned, which can take significant time and effort. Building trust is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a deep sense of integrity. It’s not something that can be easily fabricated or achieved through shortcuts. Trust is much like a forest; while it can take years to flourish, it can be lost in an instant due to carelessness. Acknowledging this can lead to more meaningful connections with those we lead.

Check out my new book, Leadership First 20 Must Read Articles On Leadership, available on Amazon from January 13th, 2025. 

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