Trust and Inspire

1. Trust & Inspire: The New Leadership Paradigm for a Changing World

Command & Control is about getting things done, but it misses the potential power of the people who get those things done.

Shift in leadership paradigm. The world has changed dramatically, but our leadership style has not kept pace. Command & Control, the dominant leadership paradigm of the industrial age, is becoming increasingly irrelevant in today's knowledge-based, collaborative economy. Trust & Inspire represents a new leadership approach that aligns with the evolving nature of work, workplace, and workforce.

Key differences. Trust & Inspire leadership focuses on unleashing people's potential rather than controlling them. It seeks to inspire hearts and minds, not just motivate hands and feet. This approach recognizes people as whole beings - body, heart, mind, and spirit - and aims to tap into their intrinsic motivation rather than relying solely on extrinsic rewards and punishments.

• Trust & Inspire leaders see greatness in people and work to unleash it
• They focus on building relationships and developing capabilities
• They elevate caring above competing and put service above self-interest

2. The Five Emerging Forces Reshaping Leadership

The game has radically changed, so why are so many of us still clinging to the old style of leadership?

Disruptive changes. Five major forces are reshaping the landscape of leadership and necessitating a shift from Command & Control to Trust & Inspire:

1. The nature of the world has changed: Rapid technological advancements and information explosion
2. The nature of work has changed: Shift to knowledge-based and collaborative work
3. The nature of the workplace has changed: Rise of remote and hybrid work environments
4. The nature of the workforce has changed: Increasingly diverse and multigenerational teams
5. The nature of choice has changed: Exponential growth in options for work and life

New imperatives. These forces create two critical imperatives for organizations:

• Win in the workplace: Create high-trust cultures to attract, retain, and inspire top talent
• Win in the marketplace: Foster collaboration and innovation to stay relevant in a disruptive world

3. Fundamental Beliefs of Trust & Inspire Leaders

Trust is the ultimate human currency.

Core beliefs. Trust & Inspire leaders operate from a set of fundamental beliefs that shape their approach to leadership:

1. People have greatness inside them: Leaders focus on unleashing potential, not controlling behavior
2. People are whole people: Leaders inspire the entire person, not just motivate performance
3. There is enough for everyone: Leaders elevate caring above competing
4. Leadership is stewardship: Leaders prioritize service above self-interest
5. Enduring influence is created from the inside out: Leaders go first in modeling desired behaviors

Paradigm shift. These beliefs represent a significant departure from traditional Command & Control thinking. They foster a more expansive view of people and leadership, recognizing the inherent worth and potential of every individual. This mindset enables leaders to create environments where people can thrive and contribute their best efforts.

4. Modeling: The First Stewardship of Trust & Inspire Leadership

Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it's the only thing.

Lead by example. Modeling is the foundation of Trust & Inspire leadership. It's about who you are as a leader and the credibility you build through your actions. Trust & Inspire leaders model key behavioral virtues:

• Humility and Courage
• Authenticity and Vulnerability
• Empathy and Performance

Build credibility. Effective modeling requires both character and competence. Leaders must not only talk about trust and inspiration but embody these qualities in their daily interactions. This builds moral authority and creates a ripple effect throughout the organization.

• Align your three lives: public, private, and inner
• Be willing to "declare yourself" and your intent
• Focus on being a multiplier rather than a diminisher of others' talents

5. Trusting: The Second Stewardship of Effective Leadership

Trustworthiness x Trusting = Trust

Extend smart trust. Trusting is about how you lead. It involves actively extending trust to others, not just being trustworthy yourself. Trust & Inspire leaders:

• Start with a high propensity to trust
• Use good judgment in assessing risk and credibility
• Create clear expectations and accountability through stewardship agreements

Unleash potential. Extending trust has powerful effects:

1. People rise to the occasion and perform better
2. People develop new capabilities
3. People reciprocate and return the trust

Trusting creates a virtuous cycle that accelerates growth, innovation, and performance. It's the key to unlocking discretionary effort and inspiring people to give their best.

6. Inspiring: The Third Stewardship for Unleashing Potential

Inspiration is the new engagement.

Connect deeply. Inspiring is about connecting with people and connecting to purpose. Trust & Inspire leaders inspire at three levels:

1. Self: Find your own "why" and purpose
2. Relationships: Demonstrate genuine caring for individuals
3. Team: Foster a sense of belonging and inclusion

Create meaning. Beyond these connections, Trust & Inspire leaders help people find purpose, meaning, and contribution in their work. They:

• Move beyond mission statements to embed real purpose
• Help people see how their work contributes to a larger goal
• Tap into people's intrinsic motivations and passions

By inspiring others, leaders create environments where people are not just satisfied or engaged, but truly inspired to do their best work and make meaningful contributions.

7. Overcoming Barriers to Becoming a Trust & Inspire Leader

You are the programmer, not the program.

Common obstacles. Many leaders struggle to adopt a Trust & Inspire approach due to five common barriers:

1. "This won't work here"
2. Fear (of losing control, failure, etc.)
3. "I don't know how to let go"
4. "I'm the smartest one in the room"
5. "This is who I am"

Mindset shifts. Overcoming these barriers requires fundamental shifts in thinking:

• Become the solution and help others become their best selves
• Balance risk and return, recognizing the greater risk of not trusting
• Extend "smart trust" with clear expectations and accountability
• Embrace a growth mindset for yourself and others
• Recognize your ability to "rescript" and change your leadership style

By addressing these barriers head-on, leaders can transform their approach and create Trust & Inspire cultures that thrive in today's dynamic environment.

8. Applying Trust & Inspire in Various Contexts: Parenting, Teaching, and Coaching

Trust & Inspire is a way of being, regardless of your different roles in life.

Universal application. The principles of Trust & Inspire leadership extend beyond the workplace and can be applied in various contexts:

• Parenting: See the potential in children, communicate belief in them, and create environments for growth
• Teaching: Foster a sense of belonging, connect students to purpose, and unleash their creativity
• Coaching: Build trust through relationships, push for excellence while showing care, and inspire team unity

Become a transition figure. In any role, Trust & Inspire leaders have the opportunity to become "transition figures" - individuals who positively change the trajectory of others' lives. By consistently modeling, trusting, and inspiring, leaders can create ripple effects that extend far beyond their immediate sphere of influence.

• Look for opportunities to see and communicate greatness in others
• Create stewardship agreements that empower and hold people accountable
• Connect people to larger purposes and help them find meaning in their efforts

Trust & Inspire is not just a leadership technique, but a way of being that can transform relationships and unleash human potential in all areas of life.

Last updated: February 8, 2025