In today’s workplace, trust in leadership is eroding—and the data proves it. According to Gallup’s latest survey, only 20% of U.S. employees strongly agree that they trust the leadership of their organization. That’s a sobering statistic for anyone in a leadership role.
What’s driving this decline? Gallup points to employees’ perceptions of their interactions with leaders and managers, especially around performance management. And at the heart of it all is trust—or the lack of it.
Why Trust Matters
Trust isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s the foundation of a healthy, high-performing workplace. When trust is present:
- Employees feel safe sharing ideas and concerns
- Teams rally behind decisions—even when they disagree
- Leaders can have candid conversations about performance without creating fear or resentment
- Productivity, engagement, and morale all improve
But trust isn’t automatic. It must be earned and reinforced daily, especially during times of change or when new team members come on board.
How Leaders Can Build Trust
Here are five practical ways leaders can earn and sustain trust:
- Keep promises – Follow through on commitments, big and small
- Be ethical and fair – Make decisions based on values, not politics
- Give credit where it’s due – Celebrate contributions and acknowledge effort
- Communicate openly and honestly – Share information transparently and frequently
- Take a genuine interest in your people – Show that you care
It sounds simple—but real-world pressures often test a leader’s resolve. Even well-intentioned leaders can erode trust by:
- Playing favorites
- Letting office politics drive decisions
- Failing to communicate, leaving the grapevine to fill the void
Trust Is a Daily Choice
Building and maintaining trust is a 24/7 leadership responsibility. Every word, every action either strengthens trust—or chips away at it. Leaders who want to be effective must choose wisely, consistently, and intentionally.
photo credit: seanheritage.com