Trusted Leader’s Loop #2: The Trust Problem No One Talks About (And How to Fix It)
Justine Maree Cox
Leadership Expert. Developing strong and kind leaders who build workplaces where people can be their best—creating a better tomorrow.
?? Here’s a leadership truth that no one talks about enough:
The higher you rise, the fewer people you can truly talk to.
And when leaders don’t have a trusted space to test ideas, get perspective, or be challenged, two things happen:
? They get stuck in their own head. Overanalyzing. Second-guessing. Struggling with tough calls in isolation.
? Their team feels the disconnect. Unclear expectations, less transparency, and a lack of trust creep in.
The problem? Leadership isolation silently erodes trust.
And trust is your most valuable currency.
The Leadership Experiment: 5 Days to Build More Trust
Before we dive into the solution, here’s a quick experiment to help you identify and strengthen trust gaps in your team.
?? For the next 5 days, try this simple daily trust-building action:
?? Day 1 – Make the Invisible Visible
Send a quick message or tell someone directly something they’re doing well that you’ve never acknowledged before.
?? Day 2 – Ask a Hard Question
Instead of assuming you know what your team needs, ask them directly:
"What’s one thing I could do differently as a leader to support you better?"
?? Day 3 – Over-clarify Expectations
Check in with your team on a key project and ask them to repeat back what success looks like. If there’s a gap, close it.
?? Day 4 – Be Candid with Strength and Kindness
Give one piece of direct, constructive feedback to someone today—delivered with clarity, care, and a commitment to their growth.
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?? Day 5 – Create a ‘No-Agenda’ Check-In
Schedule a 15-minute chat with someone you don’t usually spend much time with—just to connect. No performance talk, no agenda.
?? By the end of these five days, here’s what you’ll notice:
? More clarity.
? Stronger relationships.
? A serious shift in how your team engages with you.
What If You Had a Trusted Space for These Conversations—Every Day?
This experiment is just the beginning.
Because real leadership growth doesn’t come from occasional insights—it comes from consistent conversations in a trusted space.
That’s why I’m launching The Trusted Leaders Club—a private leadership experience designed to give you:
? A circle of experienced leaders to strategise, problem-solve, and grow with
? Live leadership sessions with real-time insights (not just more theory)
? A confidential space to ask the tough questions & get trusted feedback
? A proven leadership framework (The 3P Relationship-Centred Leadership Model)
? Exclusive tools & discussions that help you lead with confidence
?? Doors are Open – Join Now!
?? Join The Trusted Leaders Club Today
Even if you don’t join today, try the 5-day experiment.
And if you want a space where these conversations happen every day—now you know where?to?find?it