Leadership with Trust - Nu Leadership Series

”Wealth in the new regime flows directly from innovation, not optimization; that is, wealth is not gained by perfecting the known, but by imperfectly seizing the unknown.”
Kevin Kelly

Have you noticed the high level of stress among today’s employees? Effective organizations need to be proactive by examining how to reduce the level of stress on themselves and followers. This is my premise--Leaders can reduce stress in their organizations by fostering trust. Obviously, this is too simple a model for most managers.

According to a USA Today poll, nearly half of those interviewed said that corporations can be trusted only a little, or not at all, when it involves looking out for the best interest of employees. Character does count, leader! An individual’s values and beliefs are embedded in a culture and can impact a leader’s behavior. Therefore, an effective organization must contain leaders with high integrity that foster trust by their followers.

Simons argues that many managers are busy trying to implement cost saving ventures but losing credibility and trust among followers. Unfortunately, I’ve seen leaders betray employee loyalty by not telling the truth. Yet in 21st century organizations, trust is a vital ingredient in good team chemistry. Therefore, a leader’s credibility depends on the quality of relationships maintained with followers. Trust becomes the anchor.

References:

Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. (1995). The Leadership Challenge. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

Simons, T. (1999). Behavioral integrity as a critical ingredient for transformational leadership. Journal of Organizational Change Management. 12(2), pp. 89-104.

© 2006 by Daryl D. Green

Examine how trust becomes a critical factor for leadership. Nu Leadership is a column that explores the changing workforce and social environment as it relates to leadership development.

Daryl D. Green has published over 100 articles in the field of decision-making and leadership. Mr. Green is an author of several books, including More Than A Conqueror. He has been noted in USA Today and AP. For one free coaching session ($50 value), you can email him at www.darylgreen.org.

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