Reflections while hiking: how to build trust and lead effectively

Grinnell glacier hiking. Glacier NP. Photo credit: SCM (myself)

During one of our summer hikes, a couple stopped us on the trail and asked how we had managed to take our children with us. The woman admitted, “I didn't dare to do it.”

Every time we go on a hike, my husband takes charge of the adventure.  He not only meticulously plans the route but is also prepared for any unexpected events, from encounters with wild animals to sudden weather changes.  The confidence he instills in me makes me feel secure and ready to enjoy the experience, even when the climb gets tough.  Thanks to his trust-based leadership, we can explore nature and create great family moments without worrying about potential challenges.

The PwC’s 2024 Trust Survey revealed a concerning gap in trust perception within the business world. While 90% of executives believe that their customers trust their companies, only 30% of consumers share that view. This 60 percentage-point gap is wider than in previous years. The gap between employee trust and leaders’ perception is also significant: 86% of executives think employees trust the company, but only 67% of employees confirm this trust. This disparity underscores a crucial fact: trust is essential, but it is often misunderstood and/or poorly managed.

🔑 How to build trust? Three keys to leadership

According to Frances X. Frei and Anne Morris in their article “Begin with Trust” published in Harvard Business Review (2020), trust is based on three essential drivers: authenticity, logic, and empathy.  These principles are crucial for closing the trust gap and leading effectively:

🌟 Authenticity: Be yourself.

In a world where facades are common, being authentic is a powerful differentiator.  Leaders who show their true selves and are transparent create an environment of openness. When a leader shares both successes and real challenges, it inspires their team to do the same, fostering a collaborative and sincere work atmosphere.

📈 Logic: Data-driven decisions.

Making decisions based on solid data demonstrates competence and sound judgment.  A leader who uses rigorous analysis and communicates decisions clearly and systematically reinforces trust.  It’s also important not to let ego drive your actions and to operate within your area of expertise.  Show humility by admitting that you don’t have all the answers but are interested in listening and learning.

🤝 Empathy: Connect on a human level.

Empathy has never been a soft skill; it is fundamental to building strong relationships.  Showing that you care, actively listening, and understanding team members’ concerns strengthens trust.  A simple gesture, like putting away your phone during a meeting or when a team member is speaking, can significantly impact the trust you build.

Reflect on your self-concept and how others perceive you

To strengthen the three mentioned pillars, it is essential to start by examining your self-concept as a leader and how others perceive you. Self-concept, which includes your personal perception and internal values, is crucial for effective leadership.  Knowing yourself, reflecting on your experiences, and assessing your cognitive and emotional judgments across various life areas (social, emotional, physical, spiritual, etc.) will help you understand what motivates you and what drives your decisions and actions.  Comparing this self-evaluation with your team’s perception of you will help identify gaps and work towards being more authentic and consistent.  This level of self-awareness is key to building relationships based on genuine trust.

Empower through trust

For a group of people to function as a team, mutual trust is a must.  Applying authenticity, logic, and empathy transforms team dynamics. Leaders who rely on these pillars create an environment where trust empowers team members, allowing them to take risks, share innovative ideas, and achieve success.

Back to my hiking example, when we hike as a family, my husband’s authenticity is reflected in his transparent communication: he always tells us the truth about the terrain, never promising an easy journey when it isn’t.  His logic is evident in his well-founded decisions, such as studying the map and weather conditions.  Additionally, his empathy shows in his ability to adjust the pace and take breaks when one of the kids needs to rest.  This balance of transparency, solid judgment, and understanding others reinforces our trust in his leadership, making each hike a safe and enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, building a solid foundation of trust is essential for effective leadership. By focusing on being yourself, making data-driven decisions, and showing empathy, you will not only improve trust within your team but also enhance your performance and commitment. What are you doing to strengthen trust within your team?