Episode 128: The Pinnacle Pillar of Trust—Building Relationships

The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Published: December 13, 2023

Details

In the awkward dance of professional interactions, the key to a flourishing work relationship lies not in quick fixes, but in the art of weaving sincerity and respect into the very fabric of our connections. Beyond the confines of office walls, there’s a rich tapestry of experiences and passions that define each of us. Recognizing that we are so much more than our job titles is the cornerstone of genuine rapport. In this final episode, we cover the final and most crucial pillar of trust—building meaningful, lasting relationships in the workplace.

Download Zenger Folkman’s eBook, Trust: The Proven Formula.

The Trifecta of Trust— Kindle Version
The Trifecta of Trust— Audiobook Version

Key Learnings

  1. The Importance of Relationships in Building Trust: The podcast emphasizes that in the workplace, the quality of relationships is a crucial pillar of trust. It’s noted that even if a leader is consistent and shows good judgment, if the relationships are weak, trust significantly decreases. This highlights the need to focus on nurturing strong, positive relationships within professional settings.
  2. Coaching and Developing Others: A key behavior for building trust is to invest in the growth and development of others. This involves mentoring and coaching, demonstrating belief in their potential, and committing to their success. The podcast cites the example of the mentorship between Andy Grove and Steve Jobs to illustrate the impact of such relationships.
  3. Inspiration as a Trust-Building Tool: Inspiring others is more than just motivational speeches; it’s about genuinely engaging and empowering team members. The podcast suggests that when leaders inspire their teams, it leads to higher engagement and performance, as people feel valued and respected.
  4. Promoting Cooperation Over Competition: Effective leaders build trust by fostering a team environment that values cooperation. This includes recognizing the contributions of others, sharing knowledge, and supporting team members. The focus is on collective success rather than individual achievements.
  5. The Power of Seeking and Acting on Feedback: The podcast discusses the importance of being open to feedback for building trust. It suggests that leaders should regularly seek feedback to understand how much they are trusted and to identify areas for improvement. This openness to feedback demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and trust-building.

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Research

The Trifecta of Trust—Book by Joe Folkman