Do People Trust You as a Leader?

Since 2002, I’ve been a loyal Mazda driver. I love how they look, how they drive, and how well they’re specced out. In my opinion, they’re brilliant cars—reliable, well-built, and to date, I’ve had zero trouble. They’re quality.

Over the years, I’ve been tempted by the?perceived prestige?of a European brand—a Mercedes or a BMW. Just because of the name. But when I take a closer look at what I’d actually get for the price, it’s nowhere near what I get with a Mazda. The?hidden costs—higher servicing fees, expensive parts, and sometimes, unreliable performance—turn me off. I’ve had friends go down the European path, only to be shocked by the ongoing costs of keeping their car on the road.

So, I stick with Mazda. And I’ve even influenced my husband to get one, too. His verdict? One of the best cars he’s ever driven.

Why do I stay loyal? One word:?trust.

Trust Isn’t Automatic—It’s Earned

Mazda has my trust because they?deliver on their promises. Their commitment to quality isn’t just a marketing tagline—it’s something they?live by. They don’t oversell and underdeliver. They don’t make hollow claims about performance.

And that’s why I?choose?to keep going back to them.

The same applies to leadership.

Leading in a Way That Builds Trust

People don’t follow leaders because of their?title?or their?reputation. They follow leaders they?trust—those whose words align with their actions.

Yet,?only 21% of employees strongly agree that they trust their organisation’s leadership.?That means almost four out of five employees are questioning whether their leaders?walk their talk.

And that’s a problem.

Because when?trust is low, engagement drops, productivity takes a hit, and retention becomes a struggle.

No one wants to work for a leader—or a company—that doesn’t live up to its promises.

Trust Is a Mindset—and a Choice

Leading in a way that builds trust isn’t accidental.?It’s a choice.

You choose whether to?lead with integrity?or say the right things and hope no one notices the gaps. You choose whether to?follow through?or let the small things slide. You choose whether to?own your mistakes?or shift blame.

And if you want to lead in a way that?earns trust, credibility, and respect, it starts with being the?CEO of YOU.?The way you lead yourself determines how others will see you.

How to Lead with Trust—Every Day

• Be transparent?– People respect honesty, even when the truth is hard to hear. Don’t sugarcoat or spin the facts.
• Be consistent?– Trust isn’t built in one big moment—it’s built through small, repeated actions. Say what you’ll do, and then do it.
• Own your mistakes?– Nothing erodes trust faster than defensiveness or blame-shifting. If you stuff up, acknowledge it.
• Prioritise respect over popularity?– Leadership isn’t about collecting a fan base. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s not the easy option.
• Deliver on your commitments?– Big or small, every promise matters. The moment you start cutting corners on the small things, people will question whether they can trust you on the big things.

Trust Is Built in the Small Moments

Mazda has earned my trust through years of?consistency, quality, and delivering on their promise. Leadership is no different.

People don’t trust leaders because of what they say—they trust them because of?what they do.

So, here’s the real question:?Are you leading in a way that earns trust?

Because in the long run,?leadership isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you choose to be.