The Trust Factor

Welcome to This Week’s Edition!

Hello Leaders,

Why do some leaders naturally inspire loyalty while others struggle to build meaningful connections? In today's fast-paced world, where trust can make or break a team, it's crucial to understand what sets successful leaders apart.

In this week's newsletter, we'll dive into the power of trust in leadership. We'll explore why it's the foundation of any successful team and how you can cultivate it to unlock your team's full potential.

Personal Growth Journey: The Heart of Leadership

A leader who has earned their team’s trust is at the heart of every thriving team. Leadership isn't just about setting a vision or making decisions—it's about creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and understood. Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and it's built through consistent communication, integrity, and genuine care for your team’s well-being.

Have you ever delegated a task on Monday only to have to do it yourself five days late on Friday? This is a theme I hear every week when I am meeting with Leaders for coffee and at the surface it can have many solutions, but at the root of the problem from my research is

trust. Delegating trust and cultivating it often with your team is key to being able to truly delegate something and know it will get done when you said it needed to get done.

When your team trusts you, they’re more likely to go above and beyond, collaborate openly, and contribute to the organization's overall success. This doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a result of intentional actions and a deep commitment to leading with heart.

So, what are your go-to strategies for building trust within your team? Let’s explore this critical aspect of leadership together.

Weekly Reflection: Recognizing Trust Issues in Your Team

How do you know if your team has a trust issue? There are over a dozen reasons that could be at the root, but here are four common signs:

1?? Inconsistent Performance: If you find that you can’t rely on anyone, there’s likely a trust issue.

2?? Blame Game: When mistakes happen, is there more finger-pointing than ownership?

3?? Slow Decision-Making: Does decision-making drag because no one trusts the process?

4?? Lack of Honest Feedback: Are your team members holding back due to fear of retribution?

Trust is the bedrock of a team that thinks critically, speaks honestly, and acts courageously. Without it, even the best strategies will fall flat.

Practical Tips: Building and Maintaining Trust

So, how do you build that trust, and more importantly, how do you keep it strong?

?? Start with Clear and Open Communication: Trust begins when everyone knows they can speak their mind without fear. Encourage honest dialogue and be the first to listen.

?? Lead by Example with Integrity: Your team watches your every move. If you want them to be accountable, you must model accountability. Own your mistakes, and they’ll feel safe to own theirs.

?? Foster a Culture of Collaboration, Not Competition: When your team sees that their success is intertwined with others’, trust becomes the glue that holds everything together. Break down silos and encourage cross-team cooperation.

?? Recognize and Reward Honesty and Courage: When someone steps up with honest feedback or takes a risk, celebrate it. This shows that trust isn’t just expected—it’s appreciated and rewarded.

Remember, trust isn’t just another checkbox on your leadership to-do list—it’s the foundation upon which everything else is built. With it, your team will not only meet expectations, they’ll exceed them.

Self-Reflection Questions:

• How do you currently foster trust within your team?
• Are there areas where trust might be lacking? What steps can you take to address them?
• How do you model accountability in your leadership role?
• In what ways can you encourage more open and honest communication within your team?

Quote of the Week

"Trust is like blood pressure. It’s silent, vital to good health, and if abused it can be deadly." – Frank Sonnenberg

Featured Resource: The Power of Trust in Leadership

Looking to deepen your understanding of trust in leadership? This week, we recommend Simon Sinek's book, "Leaders Eat Last." Amazon

How Can We Work Together?

At True North Consulting, we understand that many high-profile leaders feel trapped in a game that seems rigged, leaving them unable to share their struggles or find genuine fulfillment. Our mission is to reignite your passion for leadership, transforming both your life and your organization. Whether you’re navigating challenges at work or striving for balance at home, we’re here to help you lead with purpose and presence.

DISC Assessments: Are you and your team truly aligned? Our DISC assessments provide deep insights into your leadership style and team dynamics, revealing both strengths and areas for growth. This clarity fosters a more cohesive, effective, and harmonious workplace, enabling you to lead with greater confidence.

Workshops: Have you lost sight of why you wanted to lead in the first place? Our interactive workshops are designed to reconnect you with your core purpose. We equip you with essential tools and techniques for effective leadership, helping you build a team that thinks critically, speaks honestly, and acts courageously. You’ll leave empowered, ready to tackle Monday with enthusiasm and finish the week feeling accomplished.

1:1 Coaching: Do you feel isolated in your leadership journey, unsure of how to overcome your challenges? Our personalized coaching sessions address your specific leadership pain points, guiding you back to loving the work you do. Through our Restorative Leadership approach, you’ll develop adaptive skills, improve decision-making, and unlock your full potential. This tailored guidance is your path to leading with passion and purpose, both at work and at home.

Keynote Speaking: Looking to inspire and energize your team? Our engaging keynote speeches offer practical insights and real-world examples that resonate deeply with leaders who feel trapped by the demands of their roles. Perfect for conferences, seminars, and corporate events, these speeches are available both in-person and virtually, delivering the motivation your team needs to thrive.

Ready to take control of your leadership journey? Start your transformation with True North Consulting today and experience the fulfillment of leading with passion and balance.

Let's Talk

Upcoming Events

Cultivate Leadership Workshop

Secure Your Spot Now – Limited to 50 Participants! Early Bird Discount ends July 31st.

Cultivate Leadership Workshop | Rock County Airport | Janesville, WI

September 17th | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM | Lunch Included

Visit benkilloy.com/intensive - Make your leadership count – see you on the 17th!

P.S. What are your thoughts on this week’s topic? I’d love to hear from you. Share your insights and experiences by replying to this email or commenting on my latest LinkedIn post. Let’s keep the conversation going!