I learned to juggle two main things in my work life: searching trust and leading teams. My daily work on trust is like a routing practice. These two shape how I lead teams and how I interact with coworkers and business partners.
Communication Under Uncertainty
Recently, I struggled with writing an email to someone I had never met. There was no trust for a project between us, per some other folks in the company. I spent minutes choosing the right words. The more I tried, the more it got difficult, what I felt. Eventually, I took a break. This is called a “structured procrastination”. It helps clear my mind so I can come back focused.
During my break, I read an article online. It was about : “How much time it takes to write an email to someone you don’t trust?” The idea was that when trust is missing, we worry more. We think about how each word could be taken. We wonder if it might be forwarded or used against us later. If everyone in an organization has these doubts, productivity can suffer.
That’s what happened to me. I kept changing the wording in the email because I had no sense of trust with the recipient. I got stuck in a cycle of overthinking and uncertainty. I decided to go with writing my honest opinions.
Why Being Honest Matters
Many high-level corporate leaders hesitate to admit mistakes. But if we see why honesty counts, it makes sense. Think of a chicken recipe that simply says, “Cook for 90 minutes,” without explaining why. If the oven is different or the chicken is bigger, you won’t know how to adjust. Understanding the goal—cooking safely—lets you adapt when things change.
It’s the same with trust. If leaders are told, “Be open about mistakes,” they might just check a box. True trust comes from deeper principles: being real, showing moral values, and following through. When things shift, leaders who understand why trust is built on honesty can respond better than those who just follow rules.
The Roots of Trust
Philosophers often say trust has two parts: competence and character.
Competence
People trust those who can handle the job. If you regularly fail at basic tasks, others won’t lean on you.
Character and Values
Skill alone isn’t enough. If you leave your wallet with a friend, you trust that they won’t steal it. Good values, like honesty and empathy, form the backbone of trust.
Leaders who hide their errors hurt this moral side of trust. Teams may question if honesty is truly valued. On the other hand, leaders who admit mistakes show they respect these shared values. This openness can strengthen their authenticity and credibility.
Lead With Honesty
From my experience, trust is vital for strong leadership. Without it, even simple tasks (like writing emails) can become stressful as I experienced. By dealing with mistakes openly and respecting the people around us, leaders can avoid the trap of distrust. In turn, teams can work together in a healthier, more productive way.
Building trust isn’t just polite—it’s key driver for corporate success. Leaders who show skill and moral responsibility help their teams grow, improve communication, and reach their goals. Be open about your flaws, respect your team, and use honesty as a cornerstone for real trust in your organization.
Discover more from MarkTalks on Technology, Data, Finance, Management
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
