Building Trust: The First Step to Becoming an Influential Leader

Imagine your team facing a tight deadline, tensions are high and everyone is looking at you for guidance.  At the back of your head, there is a lingering question whether your team ‘trust you’.  This question is anchored to how deeply rooted their trust is with you, not just as their leader, but as significant as someone who will have their backs if push comes to shove.  After all, TRUST is not just a nice-to-have in the workplace; it’s one of the key foundations for becoming truly influential.

As a current lead or young professional, building trust starts with consistency.  DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL.  From fulfilling commitments or just by simply showing up when it matters most.  Actions that reinforces reliability helps strengthen trust.  Transparency at work is also key.  Establishing open and honest communication builds bridges that no office politics can break down.  Sharing of challenges, celebrating team or individual wins, and most importantly, being comfortable admitting when you’re wrong is crucial.  Being vulnerable will not make you look weak; it communicates that you are human.

The ability of doing active listening is another underrated superpower.  Truly listening to your co-workers shows that you value them as contributors to the team.  When people feel they are heard, they are more likely to follow your lead.  Finally, a truly effective relationship of trust is a TWO-WAY street.  Extending trust to others like delegating responsibilities, believing in what they can do and also giving credit where it’s due are surefire ingredients to a better and more sustainable trust level among people.

Take a moment this week to reflect on how you’re building trust within your workplace. Start small: make one promise and follow through without fail. Then, observe how that simple act strengthens your relationships.  Never forget—prioritizing inner peace is essential. A leader who is at peace with themselves can build authentic connections and influence others effortlessly.