What 30 Years Taught Me About Trust
If you had asked me when I started my career more than three decades ago what makes a great leader, I would’ve answered with full confidence—and been completely wrong.
I thought leadership was about power, authority, and (let’s be honest) getting to tell people what to do. In fact, I couldn’t wait to be the boss because then I could just tell people what to do and things would magically get done. Simple, right?
Wrong.
Over time, through working, raising our three children (a crash course in leadership if there ever was one), and earning a master’s degree in professional communication and leadership, I came to see that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about building trust and creating an atmosphere where people feel heard, respected, and motivated to contribute their own ideas.
Trust is what turns a group of people into a team. And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of intentional effort.
Here are three trust-building habits that actually work:
Be consistent. Do what you say you’ll do. If you promise donuts at the next meeting, show up with donuts.
Show vulnerability. Admit when you mess up or don’t have the answer. (This one took me years—and a few epic fails—to learn.)
Recognize contributions. People want to feel seen. A simple thank-you or shoutout goes a long way.
This week, take one step to build trust with your team. It could be as small as listening more or giving someone the credit they deserve.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating a space where others feel confident sharing theirs.
What will you do to build trust this week?