Trust and Credibility
Great leaders have the ability to point in a certain direction and say, "See that place up there? It is a better place. Come with me. I will show you how to get there!" Some will follow because they can see it too.
Then there are those who don’t necessarily see it… they choose to follow for a different reason… even though they cannot yet see the destination… they know it is there… because they trust leader.
How do leaders establish this level of trust and credibility with their people?
Doyle,
Yet another great sales post. Trustability is definitely one of the most important among leaders. You cannot buy it, you cannot borrow it, you can only earn it. It is far more valuable than any commission check, yet you cannot place a monetary value on it. The best way to earn trust is to show your employees how to be trusted themselves. Teach them the importance of trust through your own actions, not through your words. If you are untrusted, your future is bleak.
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It's been said that people don't care about what you know until they know how much you care. I think it goes a long way to establishing trust and credibility when people see that you care about helping them more than helping yourself.
Then they will give you the opportunity to coach and lead them.
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Trust comes from a track record of delivering what individuals need in order to trust (this will vary by individual according to their needs). Where I would disagree with the premise of the question is that leaders know how to get to the top of the hill ... more important is knowing where the top of the hill is and then having the ability to engage the team appropriately is what leadership is about - our leaders do not need to be the font of all knowledge!
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Some years ago, I attended a sales training and we had Lou Holtz as one of our speakers. Love him or hate him, the man can speak and motivate. One of the issues he dealt with was trust. Trust in your client and your client's trust in you. He boiled it down to 3 questions and 3 answers:
3 Questions People Ask:
1) Can I Trust You?
2) Are You Committed?
3) How Will You Treat Me?
The Answers:
1) Do Right
2) Do Your Best
3) Treat Others How You Want
To Be Treated
Simple. Basic. True.
Good luck and all the best,
Craig
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Doyle,
Great question. I believe the answer can be simplified into 2 parts.
1.Character 2. Competency
Anyone, regardless of their postion, will create trust and thus influence when they demostrate the two.
To Your Continuing Success!
Mark
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Say what you mean.
Mean what you say.
Do what you say you are going to do.
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Doyle,
Good points once again. I have had my share of good and bad leaders that I have worked for. Basically, the good ones treat you with respect, talk to you as equals, and "walk the walk, and talk the talk." Leaders like that I will follow. Naturally, bad leaders are condescending, talk at you, and their people skills are lacking.
Best Regards,
Mark Secko
Mantralogix
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"People who will be followed" can be charismatic and inspirational. They can also be arrogant and treat vendors, subordinates and peers with contempt.
True leaders make everyone around them feel empowered to excel, thus building a more successful team. True leaders take pride in the accomplishments of others and consider proof of good judgment a reward.
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I think the best way to lead by trust is to first show yourself to be FOR your people. Be consistently FOR the other individual.
When we come across as unselfishly giving leadership, AND we establish a track record of leading upward into success, our teammates learn trust. We earn credibility over time.
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Great post...as always!!!
Here's my opinion:
Share your passion, drive, and commitment with others. They are already wondering what it is that keeps you going and motivated.
The law of attraction!
Guide others to set higher goals just as you already set goals. Maintain your enthusiasm. Share your vision with others and let them embrace it. Then, reciprocate!
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Hi,
I like the comments I have seen so far so will only add "another thing":
NEVER ask someone to do something unless you are willing to do it yourself.
Lynn
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How do leaders establish this level of trust and credibility with their people?
Easy answer: Lead by example!
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One of my favorite quotes on leadership actually comes from the Bible. I'm sure I'm paraphrasing but it goes something like, "the leader of all is the servant of all". All of the great leaders I have known have been very aware that they are there to serve the collective, not themselves. Certainly there can be great perks associated with being a leader and it is something to be proud of, but leaders cannot become prideful and stay successful succeed.
If I know you are making your decisions based on what is best for the company or group and not only what is best for you, I will follow you. If I see you securing the ropes to your golden parachute, I'm so done with you
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Agreeing with Melissa, leaders first task is foresake their own personal goals and ambitions, the needs of others should always come first.
Training for this can only come from being a great follower.
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I think this black or white requirement of foresaking all personal aspirations is unrealistic and not a good role model. A true leader isn't created by design or ambition. It's action. They might be as ambitious as anyone else. They are just better at achieving their own goals while helping others at the same time. They are great judges of character and can identify recruits who share their achievment and accountability standards. A lesser person might foresake all their goals in order to empower others, and find they hired lousy performers.
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