3.03 How to Build Trust in Leadership Using the Trust Equation
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Gemma and Fi explore the role of trust in building effective teams and strategic leadership.

They start by sharing personal stories highlighting the importance of stepping back, taking calculated risks, and building trust in professional relationships.

The discussion centres on the "trust equation," a model from The Trusted Advisor by David Meister, Charles Green, and Robert Galford. Fiona and Gemma dissect each component—credibility, reliability, intimacy (or psychological safety), and self-orientation—explaining how they interact to foster trustworthiness.

They emphasise that trust in teams isn't simply about likability; it’s built on reliability, personal connection, and genuine motives.

Leaders can use these principles to assess and improve trust levels within their teams, enhancing strategic success.

The episode closes with practical applications of the trust equation, encouraging you to assess both yourself and your relationships through these four trust components.

Key Points Discussed

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• Trust as a foundational element in leadership and team success.
• The trust equation and its origins from The Trusted Advisor.
• Breakdown of credibility, reliability, intimacy (psychological safety), and self-orientation.
• Real-life applications and personal insights on each trust component.
• The difference between trust and likability in professional relationships.
• How self-orientation affects trustworthiness and long-term credibility.
• Practical steps to build trust by improving personal connection and reliability.
• Using the trust equation as a self-assessment tool for leaders and team members.

Key Timestamps

[03:44] - Discussion on the central role of trust in relationships and teamwork.

[05:54] - Defining trust as a “willingness to take a risk” and its implications.

[07:07] - Introduction to the trust equation and its relevance in leadership.

[12:11] - Breaking down credibility as the first element of the trust equation.

[16:13] - Reliability as a measure of whether commitments are consistently met.

[19:37] - Exploring intimacy or psychological safety and its role in trust-building.

[23:38] - Understanding self-orientation and its impact on long-term trust.

[27:33] - Practical steps for leaders to apply the trust equation in their teams.

Key Takeaway

Building trust goes beyond being likeable—it’s about demonstrating credibility, reliability, a personal connection, and low self-orientation. Leaders can assess and strengthen each element to foster a resilient, high-trust team culture.

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Read more about the Trust Equation in Gemma’s blog here)

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If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.