Let’s talk about trust—that elusive, magical quality that can make or break a leader. Trust isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it’s the foundation of effective leadership. Without it, you’re like a captain trying to steer a ship with a crew that’s ready to jump overboard. With it, you’ve got a team that’ll weather storms with you, no matter how rough the seas get.

But don’t just take my word for it—the data backs this up. According to a 2022 study by Edelman, 77% of employees said they trust their employer more than other institutions like government or media. That’s a big deal, and it puts the pressure squarely on leaders to keep that trust intact.

So, how do you build and maintain trust as a leader? Let’s break it down (with just a pinch of sarcasm to keep things interesting).

1. Be Transparent (Yes, Even When It’s Awkward)

No one likes being left in the dark. Leaders who are upfront and honest—even when the news isn’t great—earn more respect and trust from their teams. According to the Harvard Business Review, 70% of employees said they’re more engaged when their leaders regularly communicate about challenges and successes.

Pro Tip: If you mess up, own it. Saying, “Yep, that was a trainwreck, and here’s how I’m fixing it,” goes a long way in showing your team that you’re human… and that you care.

2. Deliver on Your Promises (Shocking, I Know)

If you say you’re going to do something, follow through. Consistency breeds trust, while empty promises breed resentment. And resentment? Yeah, not exactly a productivity booster.

Stat Alert: A study by PwC found that 55% of employees said their trust in leadership was directly tied to their leaders delivering on commitments. Keep your word, people.

3. Listen (And Actually Hear Them)

Here’s a revolutionary idea: when your team talks, listen. And I don’t mean the “uh-huh, sure” kind of listening while you mentally rehearse your grocery list. I mean truly hearing what they’re saying—concerns, ideas, complaints, all of it.

Pro Tip: Practice active listening by repeating back what you’ve heard. “So, what I’m hearing is… you want fewer Zoom meetings? Noted.”

4. Show Empathy (Not Just Sympathy)

Empathy is the secret sauce of trust-building. It’s one thing to say, “That sucks,” but it’s another to actively put yourself in someone else’s shoes and respond in a way that shows you truly understand.

Stat Alert: Research from Catalyst found that leaders who demonstrate empathy have teams that are 86% more engaged. That’s a mic-drop moment if I’ve ever seen one.

5. Celebrate Wins (Even the Small Ones)

Trust isn’t built in grand gestures; it’s built in the everyday moments. Recognizing your team’s efforts—big or small—creates a culture of appreciation and trust.

Pro Tip: Public praise costs you nothing, but it’s priceless to your team. A quick shout-out in a meeting or a “thank you” email can work wonders.

Final Thoughts

Building trust isn’t rocket science, but it does take intention. Be transparent, deliver on your promises, listen with purpose, show empathy, and celebrate the wins. It’s not about being perfect (spoiler: no one is), but about showing your team that you’re reliable, honest, and invested in their success.

So, what’s your trust factor as a leader? If it’s not where you want it to be, start small. Remember, trust isn’t built overnight, but with consistent effort, you’ll be steering that ship with a loyal crew in no time.

Ready to level up your leadership game? At Success Labs, we’re here to help you build trust, inspire your team, and achieve your goals. Let’s connect!

Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For 40 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to grow leaders, build teams, and drive results through great people strategy. Contact us to get proactive about expanding your company’s potential and stay up-to-date with our latest news and leadership development updates here.

By: Melissa Thompson