The Underrated Skill Every Leader Needs

In the world of leadership, we often focus on qualities like charisma, intelligence, and decisiveness. While these traits certainly play a crucial role, there's one underrated skill that can make or break a leader's success: trust. Trust forms the foundation of any relationship, be it personal or professional. When it comes to leadership, trust is the secret sauce that empowers teams, boosts morale, and drives success.?

Let's dive into the world of trust and uncover five ways that leaders can foster trust with their employees.

#1 Be Transparent

Trust isn’t something that can be demanded or bought — it must be earned. As a leader, it's essential to create an environment where trust can flourish. Start by being open, honest, and transparent in your communication. Share information — even the uncomfortable stuff — and encourage your team members to do the same. When people feel informed and involved, they’re more likely to trust your judgment and decisions.

#2 Prioritize Consistency

Another critical aspect of building trust is being reliable and consistent. As a leader, do what you say you'll do. Follow through on your commitments and deliver on your promises. This consistency will demonstrate your integrity and reliability, further strengthening your team's trust in you as their leader.

#3 Listen Actively

Listening is an undervalued art, especially in leadership. When you actively listen to your team members, you demonstrate that their thoughts, ideas, and opinions matter. Put away your phone, maintain eye contact, and give them your full attention. Encourage open dialogue and invite feedback. When people feel heard and valued, trust naturally follows.

#4 Own Your Mistakes

Leaders aren’t infallible, and mistakes are bound to happen. How you handle those mistakes determines your ability to inspire trust. Take ownership of your errors, learn from them, and share the lessons with your team. Being transparent about your shortcomings creates an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures. This fosters trust and encourages your team to take risks without fear of retribution.

#5 Lead by Example

Actions speak louder than words, and this holds true for trust-building as well. Be the example you want your team to follow. Model the behavior and values you expect from them. Show empathy, respect, and fairness in your interactions. When your team witnesses your integrity in action, they will feel more confident in your leadership and be motivated to reciprocate your trust.

The Bottom Line

Building trust takes time, effort, and consistent action, but it’s worth the work. Empower your team to achieve greatness by intentionally fostering trust with your team.

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About Express Employment Professionals - West Tualatin

Express Employment Professionals office in West Tualatin, Oregon first opened its doors to our community over 25 years ago in October 1989 under the leadership of local owner,?Robert Knight. Our Express office has shown substantial growth in helping thousands of people and businesses throughout the Washington County Area on a consistent basis since then. We help Job Seekers find quality?employment in Tualatin?and help local businesses find capable and proficient employees to meet all of their staffing needs, including the cities of Tualatin, Portland, Wilsonville, Lake Oswego and Canby, Oregon. As the largest privately-held?staffing company?in the United States - we are locally owned but globally powered!