Building Trust as a Leader

Dictionary.com’s first definition of trust is “reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence”. The website prompts also that it is “the obligation or responsibility imposed on a person in whom confidence or authority is placed: a position of trust”. Both definitions imply that trust is a relationship of reliance: indeed, a relationship without trust is no relationship at all. Trust is therefore both an emotional and a rational (cognitive, calculative, and rational) act. The emotions associated with it include affection, gratitude, security, confidence, acceptance, interest, admiration, respect, liking, appreciation, contentment, and satisfaction, all of them necessary ingredients of psychological health. The logic of it is grounded in assessments of a party’s dependability, which play a significant role in decisions to trust. As expected, there are different intensities to trust, depending on why one grants trust and why it is accepted: knowing the different types of trust informs decision-making at each level. Strangely, however, despite instinctive recognition of the importance of trust in human affairs, its conceptualization in the workplace remains limited in the literature but grew in the 1990s, while actions to foster it in that environment are still not readily discernible in practice. In organizations, business processes be they management, operational, or supporting processes are conducted via relationships. Since trust among interacting parties is the foundation of effective relationships, it stands to reason that organizations can reap benefits from strengthening it. As a matter of fact, high-trust environments correlate positively with high degrees of personnel involvement, commitment, and organizational success. Decided advantages include increased value; accelerated growth; market and societal trust; reputation and recognizable brands; effortless communication; enhanced innovation; positive, transparent relationships with personnel and other stakeholders; improved collaboration and partnering; fully aligned systems and structures; heightened loyalty; powerful contributions of discretionary energy; strong innovation, engagement, confidence, and loyalty; better execution; increased adaptability; and robust retention and replenishment of knowledge workers. Nothing is as relevant as the ubiquitous impact of high trust

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to

• Understand why it is important to be concerned with trust when leading individuals and teams
• Gain awareness of the elements of trust, the factors that erode trust, and what you can do to build and sustain trust
• Learn a common language for enhancing trusting relationships and becoming a more trustworthy leader
• Improve morale and retention through creating a culture of trust that allows creativity, productivity, and commitment to flourish
• Diagnose trust issues, manage trust conversations, and revive broken trust
• And many more

Course Curriculum

SECTION 1: UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP

1 Introduction to Leadership Self-Paced2 Styles of Leadership Self-Paced3 Capabilities of Great Strategic Leaders Self-Paced4 The Nine Themes of Outstanding Leadership Self-Paced5 The Four Failures of Leaders Self-Paced6 Effectively Delegating Tasks Self-Paced7 Quiz 10 questions

SECTION 2: TRUST IN THE WORKPLACE

1 The Concept of Trust Self-Paced2 Trust as a Key Leadership Competency Self-Paced3 Enhancing Personal Credibility Self-Paced4 Effective Leadership Self-Paced5 Creating a Trusting Company Self-Paced6 Drivers of Trust (% Respondents) Self-Paced7 Listening is Key to Good Communication Self-Paced8 Leadership Myths Self-Paced9 The Leadership Moment Self-Paced10 Theory U: Leading From the Future as it Emerges Self-Paced11 Seven Essential Leadership Capabilities Self-Paced12 The Key Role of Line Managers Self-Paced13 Creating a Trusting Company Self-Paced14 Quiz 10 questions

SECTION 3: NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING IN TRUST BUILDING

1 Overview of Neuro-Linguistic Programming Self-Paced2 Perspectives on Trust Self-Paced3 World Politics, Religions, and Fear Self-Paced4 Biases of Individuals, Groups, and Organizations Self-Paced5 Learning in Organizations Self-Paced6 Storytelling Self-Paced7 Perceptions of Reality and Power Self-Paced8 Applying Laws of Power and Getting Inside Self-Paced9 Types of Trust Self-Paced10 How Your Emotion May Affect Your Trust Self-Paced11 Wrapping Up Self-Paced12 Quiz 10 questions