Leadership Trait to Ponder: Trust

Trust-Leadership-Leader-Todd-Nielsen-TraitToday the leadership trait to ponder is Trust.  The dictionary defines Trust as: the firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. Over the years, I have grown to value this trait greatly, it is so easy for a leader to lose the trust of their staff through one false move. If a leader does not take the time to build trust among their staff, and to avoid things that betray that trust, their ability to lead will be greatly diminished. Below are some of my favorite quotes to help inspire and illustrate this trait. As you read these quotes, think about how you can exemplify this leadership trait in yourself, and build trust among those that you lead; it might take time, but it is worth it.

Quotes on Trust

It takes 20 year to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” ~ Warren Buffet

The glue that holds all relationships together – including the relationship between; the leader and the led is trust, and trust is based on integrity.” ~ Brian Tracy

You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don’t trust enough.” ~ Frank Crane

Wise men put their trust in ideas and not in circumstances.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.” ~ Solon Ancient Greek Lawmaker

Trust, but verify.”  ~ Ronald Reagan

When people honor each other, there is a trust established that leads to synergy, interdependence, and deep respect. Both parties make decisions and choices based on what is right, what is best, what is valued most highly.”  ~ Blaine Lee

We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversation with people may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk.” ~ Thomas Moore

What do you think about when you ponder trust and what can a leader do to build trust with those they lead? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.