How to Build Trust and Loyalty in Leadership: Reflections from My Experience

In leadership, there’s one currency that stands above all others: trust. It’s the foundation of any strong relationship, whether with employees, customers, or business partners. But trust isn’t something that can be bought or demanded—it has to be earned through consistent actions, transparency, integrity, and authenticity.

In a world where people are constantly bombarded with options, building trust is what sets leaders and organizations apart. People want to do business with and work for organizations they can trust. Trust creates loyalty, and loyalty sustains success over the long term, even in challenging times.

In my early career, I had the privilege of working with Mr. Louis Van Ravesteyn, who at the time was the Head of Personal and Business Banking. He didn’t just talk about leadership principles—he demonstrated them through action. His example taught me the importance of trust, authenticity, and integrity in leadership, and these lessons have stuck with me throughout my career. What I learned from him shaped how I lead today, and I believe these principles are crucial for anyone aspiring to inspire trust and loyalty in their teams.

Practical Ways to Build Trust in Leadership

1. Be Consistent in Your Actions Consistency is key in building trust. When people see that your words align with your actions over time, they feel confident they can rely on you. Leaders must ensure that their decisions and actions reflect their values. A leader who frequently changes direction without explanation erodes trust. In my experience, consistently delivering on promises strengthens relationships with both employees and clients.
2. Communicate Transparently and Openly Trust thrives in an environment of open communication. Leaders who are transparent about their decision-making process, especially when things don’t go as planned, foster a culture of honesty. This means admitting when mistakes are made and explaining the reasoning behind tough decisions. During times of uncertainty, your team and stakeholders will appreciate your honesty and willingness to share both the good and the bad.
3. Lead with Integrity and Authenticity At the core of trust is integrity and authenticity. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, while authenticity is about being true to who you are. People trust leaders who are real—who don’t try to be something they’re not. Authentic leaders are honest about their strengths and weaknesses and make decisions in alignment with their core values. If you promise something, deliver. And if you can't, explain why. Being real with your team shows that you value them and the trust they place in you.
4. Empower Your Team Trust is also built when you show confidence in others. Empowering your team to make decisions and take ownership of their work fosters a sense of trust on both sides. As a leader, I’ve always believed in giving people the tools and autonomy to succeed, while standing ready to support them when needed. This not only builds trust but also cultivates loyalty and engagement.
5. Show Genuine Care for People People trust leaders who genuinely care about their well-being. This goes beyond professional interactions—it’s about building personal connections with your team and stakeholders. Take the time to understand their challenges, celebrate their successes, and support their growth. In my leadership experience, the most meaningful relationships have been built through genuine care and mutual respect.

Building Loyalty: Trust is Just the Beginning

While trust is essential for leadership, it’s only the beginning. The ultimate goal is to inspire loyalty—a deeper, more enduring connection. Loyalty is what keeps people with you, even when competitors come knocking with better offers or when challenges arise. Loyalty stems from authenticity, integrity, and maintaining positive, consistent relationships over time.

When employees, customers, and partners trust in your leadership and see you as authentic, they are more likely to remain loyal through thick and thin. Building a loyal team and client base depends on maintaining trust and being true to who you are as a leader.

Final Thoughts: Trust, Authenticity, and Loyalty Go Hand in Hand

In my journey as a leader, I’ve learned that trust, authenticity, and loyalty are interconnected. They are all essential to building strong relationships that stand the test of time. When you lead with authenticity, integrity, and consistently deliver on your promises, you naturally inspire trust and loyalty in those around you.

As you continue on your leadership path, ask yourself: How am I building trust in my organization and with my stakeholders? Am I being authentic in my leadership? The answers to these questions could be the key to unlocking long-term success.

Call to Action: Leaders, how do you build trust, stay authentic, and inspire loyalty in your teams and organizations? And to those who follow—what makes you trust and remain loyal to a leader? I’d love to hear your experiences and perspectives from both sides in the comments. Let’s start a conversation about how authenticity and trust shape our professional relationships!