5 Ways Leaders Earn Trust

How can anyone ever hope to perform as a meaningful and effective leader if others don’t believe either the message, or you (the messenger)? True leadership is always dependent upon the development of a bond that is created between the leader and his constituents, and while there are many factors and/ or components that impact this, none is as significant as developing the type of bond that unites and strengthens. Therefore, it is extremely important for leaders to gain the loyalty and believability from constituents, which is only possible when it is based on TRUST. Those in positions of leadership must realize and understand that this is not something that comes automatically with the position, but is rather dependent on behaving in such a manner than one consistently earns it!

1. Since you can’t get someone to trust or believe in you unless you behave in such a manner that you demonstrate that you deserve that respect, it is imperative on a leader to prioritize teaching others in a compelling manner. This process must begin at Step One, and must encompass all aspects, including teaching about why the group matters and they should care, and why some of the individuals should pursue a leadership position, and that you must identify, qualify and effectively train these people. This is only meaningful when you abandon any sort of real or implied hidden agenda, but rather must consistently proceed in a trustworthy manner.

2. Don’t merely be satisfied with spinning your wheels and doing something, or pursuing another version of the same – old, same – old. Great leaders look ahead in a relevant manner, and are always reliable (as well as being perceived as such). We’ve all heard about the proverbial Open Door Policy, but instead of empty rhetoric, a real leader assures that he is reachable to as many stakeholders as possible.

3. Don’t simply be an instigator, but rather strive to be a unifier, that brings others together for the common good. Often, this means having the ability and willingness to use both the usual, as well as unusual methods and mindset, to seek the best results.

4. Effectiveness is not about merely doing something that impacts the present day needs or challenges, but pursue and develop a sustainable system that is solid, strong, and meaningfully strengthening.

5. While what you do should be properly pursued and analyzed, it is important to avoid the often – easy tendency for procrastination. Great leaders seek solutions by moving forward with timely action.

You can’t lead if others don’t believe in you. However, you need to earn that TRUST!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8835098

About the Author: Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to over a thousand leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for over 30 years. Rich has written three books and well over a thousand articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for leadership planning: http://facebook.com/Plan2lead