In my preceding blog I discussed that leadership is about relationships.
Today the focus is about what leadership needs to be effective.
Leadership is about relationships, to be effective it needs TRUST!
How so? I am reminded to a gentleman that applied to work at one of my restaurants shortly after it opened. He had extensive restaurant and leadership experience when he applied. When he started, we were not able to offer compensation or position consistent with his résumé. We took a chance on him; he certainly took a chance on us. Over the years working together he has risen to the role of Sr. V.P. of Operations / C.O.O. How did that happen, continue reading?
Leadership starts with, and is about relationships. The trust needed when leading results when leaders invest in those relationships.
Consider this perspective in financial terms. Relationships are the investment. Trust is the appreciation, the equity, that investment experiences when done well.
Investing is deliberate work – money does not invest itself. Relationships, likewise, require intentional effort by leaders. This kind of work aims for growth and increase. When that growth and increase is realized within the leadership context the result is trust.
Wouldn’t it be great if, as a leader, we could just run out to the nearest retail outlet and buy a gallon of trust? If only! But we all know it just does not work that way. Trust is not a commodity we simply acquire like a gallon of milk or gas for your vehicle.
There is an undeniable association between these dynamics. Trust depends on meaningful relationships. This is a truth that experienced leaders and scholars alike readily embrace. Trust is a reality to be gained and earned. The truth of this fact is perhaps understood best when considering the definition of trust. Oxford[1] defines trust as “confidence or faith in a person or thing.” When considering the idea of trust within the context of this definition the need for effort and time can quickly and reasonably be seen.
In consideration of what we discussed to this point, leaders need to challenge their thinking about how leadership works. IT TAKES TIME, . . . AND IT IS A JOURNEY!
Too many leaders see leadership as a noun (i.e., person, PLACE, or thing) rather than a verb (ie., action); they think of leadership as a position or destination. Leadership is an action word; it is something we DO, not something we ARE. As a result, leaders need to leader from this perspective, working to establish relationships and build trust.
To learn more about journeying and being a better leader please complete the contact from below. Thank you.
[1] Retrieved from trust, n. : Oxford English Dictionary (oed.com). April 14, 2021.