Ever asked yourself why do some leaders naturally earn trust while others struggle? Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman from Harvard Business Review dive deep into the heart of this question.
Here's what they discovered:
1. Positive Relationships: It's not just about friendly interactions. Leaders foster trust when they stay connected to concerns, balance results with empathy, resolve conflicts, and provide constructive feedback.
2. Good Judgement/Expertise: Trustworthy leaders are knowledgeable. Their decisions stem from a blend of experience and understanding. Their insights are sought after, and they're quick to address challenges.
3. Consistency: This one's simple but profound. Leaders earn trust when they honor their words with actions, consistently. Being a role model, keeping promises, and going the extra mile matter.
Interestingly, while many of us might think consistency would be the top trust-builder, the study reveals that positive relationships have a more profound impact. And guess what? You don't have to be 'perfect' in these, just a tad above average can significantly amplify levels of trust.
Which of these trust pillars do you think is your strength? And which needs a bit more focus?
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