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, the belief in someone’s reliability and integrity, is the core of integrity-focused leadership at MSS. It connects leaders with their teams and aligns them with the broader mission of the organization. When leaders consistently act with integrity, they earn the trust of those around them, creating a positive ripple effect across the organization. This trust builds an environment where open communication, innovation, and collaboration can thrive, as team members feel valued and confident in their leaders' ethical direction. With trust, leaders can inspire and motivate their teams toward shared goals, handle challenges openly, and build a culture where ethical practices are the norm. Trust in integrity-focused leadership is essential for creating a strong, ethical, and high-performing organization.
Establishing trust is also key to building a solid foundation for effective leadership. When you demonstrate integrity, you build trust with employees and the public. This trust allows you to lead with credibility, making sure your decisions are respected and supported throughout the organization. By creating an environment of trust, you can drive change, inspire innovation, and keep a positive reputation for yourself and the company.
“Trust is like the air we breathe.
When it’s present, no one really notices. When it’s absent, everyone notices.”
In the MSS Way Trust module, we’ll explore the core elements of trust, focusing on transparency, authentic integrity, and the power of truth in leadership. Together, we’ll examine how embracing these qualities builds a foundation where open communication, reliability, and ethical practices are at the heart of every interaction. Join us as we dig into Trust in more detail!