One of the currencies of leadership is trust. Trust is measured in a ladder of relational connectivity to another person, from low to high:
- Human being (same species)
- Role or position power
- Reputation
- Fellow member of my organization (tribe, department, community)
- Prior personal experience – recency and frequency are significant factors
It takes time and investment to move from fragile trust to resilient trust that endures. Covenants and contracts are social instruments which create a “structure” to help us move forward even in times of damaged trust.
Smart leaders also pay attention to the spillover effect of damaged trust. Once burned and hurt, a person is likely to be more suspicious and less trusting in other relationship. This calls for patient listening and a pattern of behaviors others will interpret as being trustworthy.
