“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” —Ken Blanchard
If you’ve been reading this blog for even a couple of weeks, you will know that one main principle of leadership is the necessity of leading with a team. Teamwork is absolutely vital for growth and progression in any area. We all must partner with God and with others to make the vision happen.
In order for teamwork to be successful, there must be trust among team members and their leader. A leader cannot lead without first earning the trust of the people. Once that trust is earned, it must be carefully guarded and protected.
There are some myths about trust that we need to debunk if we are going to build trust.
1. Trust is not given because of your position.
Some people feel that they can earn trust by reaching a position that is respected. If this were true, every head of state and official would be trusted completely, which, as recent events worldwide have proven, is not the case. Trust does not come because of a title or a position. Therefore, you cannot use your title or position to demand trust.
2. Trust is not given because of your experience.
Experience by itself does not make a person reliable. How many stories have we heard of people with great wealth, education or positions of power who were morally corrupt and unworthy of trust? Power itself does not engender trust. The character of a person must first be established.
3. Trust is not given because of your skills.
You may have a great education and talent, and people may be in awe of you and have great respect for your abilities. That does not necessarily mean that they trust you. Trust is not based on what you can do or how great you may feel you are.
4. Trust is not given because you ask for it.
How often have you heard the statement, “You have to trust me on this”? Although trust is requested by people—from car salesmen to politicians—it is not given on demand. Human nature is actually wary of those who demand trust. You must earn trust, not demand it.
