Trust is built in moments that rarely make headlines.
It’s built when a leader keeps their word even when it’s inconvenient.
When they give credit instead of taking it.
When they tell the truth before they are forced to.
The higher your visibility, the smaller your margin for misalignment. Every decision, every comment, every silence tells a story about who you are and what you stand for.
People are always watching, but more importantly, they are always feeling. They may forget what you said in a board meeting, but how they felt will stick with them.
Trust can take years to build, yet one careless moment can undo it.
That’s why consistency matters more than perfection. The leaders who earn long-term trust aren’t flawless. They are transparent, steady, and human.
They don’t hide behind statements. They show up with accountability.
When people believe you mean what you say, they will follow you through uncertainty. When they stop believing it, no title or track record will save you.
What do you think makes trust in leadership last?