The One Thing
For decades, researchers have been obsessed with finding out what separates great leaders from just good ones.
And now we may have the answer.
Paul Zak, a professor of economics, psychology, and management at Claremont Graduate University, has uncovered a core leadership competency that results in:
- 106% more energy at work
- 50% higher productivity
- 76% more engagement
- 29% more satisfaction
- 74% less stress
- 13% fewer sick days
- 40% less burnout
So, what’s the crucial core leadership competency that produces these kinds of results?
T-R-U-S-T
Said differently, trustworthy leaders bring out the very best in all those around them! And when people give their best, extraordinary things happen.
In fact, high-trust companies outperform their peers by a ratio of 3 to 1.
Three-to-one.
Here’s the rub.
Tragically, in this day and age, trust appears to be in very short supply.
In fact, Edelman’s annual international trust survey reports that trust in our government, education system, media, financial institutions, health-care system, and leaders is at an all-time low.
Obviously, if you’re a leader looking to create a high-performing organization, people’s inherent lack of trust is a BIG problem.
However, for leaders who know how to create and sustain trust, there’s a real opportunity to shine.
Trust Defined
Here are five practical ways that you (as a Leader of LIGHT) can become a more trustworthy leader.
1. Declare Your Intent.
There’s no better way to become a trustworthy leader than by declaring your intent.
To “declare your intent” means that you make clear and explicit statements to all those around you (both verbally and in writing) that your desire is to be a trustworthy leader, mentor, and friend. By going on record, you are letting everyone around you know that not only will you get things done but you’ll do it in a way that everyone benefits.
2. Demonstrate Respect.
Repeat after me: respect is foundational to building trust. This is true because, when people feel respected, they also feel valued, safe, and secure. This, in turn, fosters a sense of trust.
What’s more, respect also encourages open communication, empathy, and the setting of healthy boundaries, all of which are crucial for developing and maintaining a strong, trusting bond.
Oh, and by the way, the fastest and most effective way to demonstrate respect for another human being is to be an active, empathetic listener and give that person 100% of your attention!
3. Deliver Results.
Successfully completing tasks and achieving goals builds trust because it proves to everyone around you that you are both capable and dependable.
Think about it.
When everyone around you knows that you are going to make good on your promises (every single time), their confidence in you grows. And it’s this confidence that provides your colleagues and co-workers with a sense of safety and security because they know that you aren’t just an empty-talker (aka big hat, no cattle).
4. Share Information.
When you as a leader share information, it actually encourages others to do the same. In research terms, this is known as “reciprocal self-disclosure.” And although that’s a mouthful to say, it’s a POWERFUL tool for leaders.
Said differently, the more you share, the more others will share. And this back-and-forth sharing creates deep emotional bonds, a shared sense of belonging, and, in the end, an unshakable level of trust.
5. Recognize Excellence.
Recognizing the contributions of others builds trust because it shows that you as a leader know how to fulfill and validate perhaps the greatest of all human needs: the need to be seen.
It’s that simple.
Leading with LIGHT
To be effective as a Leader of LIGHT, you need to be trustworthy. And this means that you need to know your stuff; you need to make things happen; you need to be transparent, and you need to recognize the contributions of others.
If you can do this (and you can), you will take your organization (and your career!) to a place where very few leaders ever get to.
Make no mistake: trust is one of the highest forms of human motivation in that it brings out the very best in people. But it doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a keen understanding of the aforementioned five components and it requires consistency. Many a leader has seen long-earned trust evaporate in seconds of indiscretion.
This week, make it a point to begin gaining the trust of all those around you. It’s a game-changer.
Until next time, see LIGHT, be LIGHT, spread LIGHT!
Until Next Time...
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About Lead with Light
Lead with Light is an initiative that aims to equip current and emerging leaders with a reimagined approach to servant leadership.
Our ultimate vision is to grow and develop thousands of Leaders of Light to ignite a movement to see light, be light, and spread light in ways only each can.