What does trust mean?  Webster’s dictionary uses words to define
trust as:  confidence, dependence, assured reliance, strength, in charge, credit, hope and a few others.

What does it take for you to trust a leader?  All of the words described above are critical to your ability to be trusted as a leader.  Yet it takes time.  The old adage my Dad taughtme – It takes years (or a lifetime) to build trust, but one moment to tear it down points this out.  That saying is often a guiding light for me as I look at how to handle situations and what action should I take in certain situations.  Trust is truly the foundation for effective leadership.  There are no shortcuts, it takes time.

Trust cannot be carried from one person to another.  Your reputation as being trustworthy can lay the foundation for a new person, yet that foundation must be laid with each and every individual.

Building trust requires competence, connection and character.  It takes patience and perseverance.  It takes leadership at a foundational level.  What are you doing today to build trust with your team, co-workers, family, and friends?  Each day is a building block that is in your control.