Module Three: Trust
Trust is built through experience. It is not gained through lectures, promises or good intentions. Recently, I observed a team that added to their infrastructure of trust. It began with a crisis and ended with excellence. The day began as normal but in the course of a few minutes, it was filled with multiple situations that required teamwork and sacrifice. This team answered the call and ventured out of their comfort zones to accomplish the mission at hand.
The mission or task is not what built trust on this team. The willingness to act decisively and selflessly for the good of another and for the overall benefit of the team is what mattered. Once the crisis was over, each member involved knew that they could depend on one another. They knew this not because of a speech, talk, or passionate conversation. They had experienced what it felt like for their teammates to deliver in the midst of a storm.
We talk a lot about trust, but do we look for ways to turn our words into action? Do we consistently come through for others when they need us? Do we look for ways to do good? Can we be depended upon to sacrifice ourselves for others when there is no recognition or gain for us?
Choose to build trust by consistently doing good for others and you will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Trust is the cornerstone of any workplace, shaping how people collaborate, make decisions, and serve their community. Without trust, even the most organized offices can break down, leading to miscommunication, uncertainty, and inefficiency.
A workplace built on trust is one where people can rely on one another, communicate openly, and feel confident in the work being done. It creates an environment where honesty is expected, accountability is shared, and respect is mutual.
The work done at the Morgan County Probate Office depends on accuracy, fairness, and integrity. These values are reflected in daily interactions, from assisting coworkers to serving the community. When ethical decisions are made consistently and communication is open, trust becomes a steady and reliable part of the workplace.
Building trust takes time, but it can be lost in an instant. Every interaction, whether with a coworker or a member of the community, is an opportunity to strengthen or weaken it. Trust grows when commitments are honored, honesty is prioritized, and accountability is upheld. It is easily damaged by dishonesty, inconsistency, or avoiding responsibility. Recognizing what builds trust—and what weakens it—creates a workplace where people feel respected and secure.
This module explores four key elements of trust: consistency, ethical decision-making, authenticity, and truthfulness. Each lesson highlights a different aspect of trust and provides practical ways to strengthen it in daily work.
The Foundations of Trust: Trust is built through actions that show dependability and honesty. This lesson explores key traits—empathy, honesty, openness, reliability, and competence—that create a trustworthy workplace and strong working relationships.
Doing the Right Thing: Integrity means making ethical choices, even when no one is watching. This lesson examines how ethical decision-making builds trust and why small lapses in honesty or fairness can lead to bigger problems over time.
Embracing Authentic Integrity: People trust those who stay true to their values. This lesson highlights the importance of authenticity, aligning words with actions, and standing firm in ethical beliefs to build credibility and strengthen workplace relationships.
The Power of Truth: Trust thrives in an open and honest environment. This lesson explores the role of truthfulness in communication, the challenges of transparency, and how to create a workplace where people feel safe speaking up.
“Leadership is not a person or a position. It is a complex moral relationship between people based on trust, obligation, commitment, emotion, and a shared vision of the good.”
These lessons offer practical ways to build trust in both professional and personal settings. By developing stronger communication, making ethical choices, and staying true to your values, you can create a positive work environment and build stronger relationships. Each lesson includes reflection questions to help you think about what you have learned and how to apply it in daily interactions. Let’s begin!