Building Trust as a Leader

Trust is the foundation of a strong team. Without it, communication breaks down, conflicts escalate, and employee engagement dwindles. We experience thousands of choices every day (According to a 2006 study at Cornell University involving 136 students, 226.7 of those decisions are just about food!). That's a lot of decisions. With so much decision-making, conflict is inevitable. We're only human, afterall. We can reduce conflict in the workplace by building trust into the way we collaborate with others. Studies show that a lack of trust leads to:

• high turnover rates (the average cost is 150%-200% more to replace someone),

• imposter syndrome as people try to be effective within a dysfunctional workplace ("Why isn't this working? Am I the problem?"), and

• decreased job satisfaction while team morale declines.

As leaders, how can we build and sustain trust within our teams? The answer lies in developing strong communication and conflict resolution skills, both within and extending beyond, our own team environment.

The Importance of Trust in the Workplace

Trust isn’t just a feel-good concept; it directly impacts an organization’s success. Leslie has shared her story during our weekly livestream (Wednesdays at 7am PT/9am CT on LinkedIn and YouTube) of how her former workplace lacked trust. They saw a mass exodus of employees who felt unheard, undervalued, and unsupported. Leaders often find themselves navigating trust issues that stem from poor feedback/responses or a failure to empower employees. When employees are trusted with decision-making and given agency over their work, they take greater pride in their contributions and are more engaged.

Watch our recording about decision-making on YouTube

Why Leaders Struggle with Trust and Communication

1. Building trust requires leaders to overcome key challenges:

2. Lack of Active Listening Skills – Many leaders fail to truly listen to employees' concerns with empathy, leading to misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts. Eventually, morale deteriorates.

3. Emotional Intelligence Challenges – Managing emotions —both their own and their team’s— can be difficult for leaders, especially in high-stress environments. Leaders must do their own human skills development to model professional behavior that supports their team.

4. Power Dynamics and Bias – Leaders must be mindful of implicit biases and power imbalances that can make employees feel unheard or dismissed. New leaders will often take their position of power for granted, or they will give up their power entirely because they aren't comfortable managing their new responsibilities.

Practicing Communication & Conflict Resolution Outside of Corporate Culture

Success in tech and other industries requires more than just technical expertise. The ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt effectively is just as important. Leaders who engage with people outside their immediate corporate culture through workshops, networking, or mentorship will develop broader perspectives to enhance their effectiveness. Participating in interactive training that incorporates practice, real-world scenarios, and negotiation tactics can refine these skills.

How Leaders Can Build Trust Through Practical Application

To create a trust within a team, leaders must actively practice communication and conflict resolution skills. Role-playing exercises, team-building activities, and external collaborations all provide valuable opportunities to hone these abilities. Research has shown that leaders who engage in interactive skill-building workshops see tangible career growth. In fact, over the past decade, 70% of professionals who practiced these techniques with Leslie advanced to VP or C-suite roles.

Actionable Steps to Strengthen Trust in Your Organization

• Practice Active Listening – Engage with employees by listening without interruption and validating their concerns. Listen with the intent to understand where their fears and concerns are coming from.

• Foster Emotional Intelligence – Understand and manage your own emotions first, or you will never be able to understand those of your team. Do the hard internal work to improve your effectiveness as a leader.

• Empower Employees – Trust your team with decision-making authority to instill confidence and accountability. Use an agreed-upon framework for decision-making. Creating the boundaries and expectations will give people permission be more proactive and will help people take more pride in their work.

• Seek External Perspectives – Learn from mentors in different industries to refine your approach.

• Engage in Interactive Training – Participate in group training, workshops, or conferences where you can practice conflict resolution skills so you can model effective leadership.

The Future of Trust in Leadership

Trust is not a given; it’s built through intentional actions. Organizations that prioritize trust-building create environments where employees feel valued, empowered, and committed to success. As a leader, investing in communication and conflict resolution skills will set you apart and drive both personal and organizational growth.

Practice These Skills at Lucky and Leslie's Monthly Leadership Practicum

For leaders looking to enhance their trust-building and communication skills in a hands-on way, Lucky and Leslie’s Monthly Leadership Practicum offers a unique opportunity. Held on the second Friday of each month, this interactive session includes role-playing exercises designed to help leaders practice active listening, negotiation, and conflict resolution in real-world scenarios. By participating in these facilitated conversations, leaders can refine their skills in a supportive environment and gain the confidence needed to navigate complex workplace dynamics. Join us and take your leadership skills to the next level!