One of the highest compliments you can receive is to hear someone say, I trust you. Don’t take that lightly. Trust takes time to earn but can be lost quickly.
As a leader, trust is usually extended to you upfront. It’s “on loan,” so to speak, until proven untrustworthy.
However, it’s not uncommon for good leaders to be caught by surprise when they are not trusted quite as fully as they thought they were.
Sometimes these leaders are under pressure and cutting a few corners or have a blind spot that escapes them. Or, for another example, leaders whose drive, dreams, and ambitions are just strong enough to result in behavior they would never do intentionally.
These circumstances are among the most difficult to catch. You’re on the go, carrying a heavy load, doing your best to lead the church or your ministry area forward, but not fully attentive to what is happening around you. And the people don’t seem to respond like they once did.
For example, they may have more questions. There’s nothing wrong with questions, but these feel more like resistance than seeking understanding. Or some of your leaders don’t seem as supportive and hold back some. You can feel a little distance.
How does this happen?
What can you do?
One of the best things you can do is talk to an honest friend who understands leadership. Someone you trust. Someone who is part of your church. They will often have an insight you can’t see. Be open and receptive. Don’t get defensive. Listen as you talk it through.
And to “jump-start” that conversation, let me offer three reasons people may trust you a little less than you would think, with a few thoughts of what you can do.
The key is to catch it now. What may be a little less trust today can lead to a steep erosion of trust over time.
I Trust You? 3 reasons people may trust you less than you thought:
1. People won’t say I trust you if they don’t sense that you have their best interest at heart.
This first reason catches leaders by the greatest surprise. They never imagined not having the people’s best interest at heart, in fact, feel certain they do, and therefore feel blindsided when this happens.
So, how did it happen?
There are many ways. For example, you made a tough or unpopular decision. It was the right decision, but perhaps you made it too quickly or without process. Or, you said no to someone or many, again without being understood. Or, you made a decision that seemed to benefit you more than them.
The specific possibilities are basically limitless, but here’s how the people feel; when the music stops, and there is only one chair, they perceive you will take that spot for yourself.
People never place full trust in a leader unless they’re confident he or she has their best interest at heart.
This can happen to any leader. Realities such as insecurities, pressure, a blind spot, etc., can easily set this in motion, even though it doesn’t represent your heart in the matter.
Don’t ignore this situation and don’t panic.
Slow down, take an honest moment of reflection. Talk with a trusted friend. As long as this is not a long-term pattern, the remedy is relatively simple.
Have a conversation with those you may have offended, caused to doubt, or just ran too fast by them.
Listen to them carefully.
Their opinion isn’t an indictment of you or your leadership; it’s their perception of you in the moment. And right or wrong, you need to know. Share your vantage point, but always take the high road.
Ask forgiveness if needed, and pay attention to what caused the slight erosion of trust so you can correct it in the future.
