Christie Smith PHD’s Post

Ever worked in a high or low trust environment? I've worked in both, and the differences in #productivity, #engagement, #efficiancy and #results are as starkly different as night and day. This piece Susan Lucia Annunzio contributed to The Wall Street Journal makes the case for #hightrust and provides suggestions for building and maintaining it across people, teams and organizations. Trust guru Stephen M. R. Covey shares that trust is #behavioral - you earn (or lose) it through your actions, and that #trust is a economic driver. High trust removes friction, increasing speed and increasing profits, and low trust adds friction, slowing things down and adding costs. If you want to read the article, but don't have a subscription, message me or leave a comment. #lowtrust #leadershipskills #leadership #behaviorchange #buildtrust

Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve: The Secret to Genuine Leadership Everyone who knows me knows that I wear my heart on my sleeves - I do not believe in craftiness, and in fact believe that transparency and integrity are essential, not only for success but for social development. In a world where business often prioritizes strategy over sentiment, the concept of "wearing one's heart on one's sleeve" might seem out of place. Yet, it's precisely this transparency and honesty that can set great leaders apart. 💡 Transparency Builds Trust: In business, trust is currency. When leaders are open about their intentions and emotions, it creates a culture of authenticity. Employees feel more connected and valued, which drives engagement and loyalty. 💡 Honesty Fosters Innovation: When team members feel safe to express their true thoughts and feelings, creativity flourishes. This environment encourages diverse ideas and solutions, leading to innovative breakthroughs. 💡 Empathy Enhances Relationships: Being genuine in your interactions strengthens relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues. It demonstrates that you value their perspective and are committed to mutual success. 🔑 Key Takeaway: Embracing transparency isn't about exposing vulnerabilities; it's about showcasing your commitment to integrity and authenticity. In a world full of facades, let your true self be your unique selling point. Someone once told me that I would attain success quicker if I could forgo honesty but the truth is, my actions are dictated by my values of social sustainability, which questions the impact of my actions. Would my actions benefit me alone or have larger positive or negative consequences on the lives of others and society at large? #leadership #transparency #businessethics #workculture #authenticity #innovation #leadershipinnovation

When trust is strong, people on our teams thrive - and so does business. But trust doesn’t magically appear – and can be lost far too easily. It needs to be nurtured, especially through times of challenge, change, and growth. Trust-building is an ongoing process that cascades throughout our organizations. For us to lead effectively, we must be trusted – and that’s not common. ❓How do leaders erode trust❓ ➡️ False promises. Our people have every right to expect us to do what we say. Clarity is important. Even if our intent was good when we made the promise, not delivering on it violates our people’s trust. ➡️ Spinning the truth. Leaders like positivity - we think it reduces fears and helps with morale. But it often leaves our team feeling manipulated, like we’re trying to shape their perception of the facts. We’d be much better leaders if we mined for people’s real concerns – getting them out in the open and addressing them honestly and transparently. ➡️ One-way communication. We often tell rather than ask for input. When we don’t listen to our teams, they don’t believe that their ideas and thoughts matter to us…and they stop offering them. That’s a failure. Show interest, be curious, and listen with the intent to consider if you want a trust culture. ➡️ Lack of follow-through. When we reschedule deadlines at a whim, always expect others to pick up the pieces when we flake, or consistently cancel meetings at the last minute without thought for other people’s time, it feels like a complete lack of respect to our teams. It’s hard to trust when you don’t feel respected. ➡️ Taking all the credit. We need to use “we” rather than “me” when talking about our team’s success. And offer recognition and appreciation for the contributions people make. No one trusts a leader who makes them feel anonymous and irrelevant. 💥Actively building a culture of trust is essential to good leadership and organizational success.💥 #leadership #trust #business #team #motivation #success #inspiration

Building Trust in Leadership: Is Your Bond as Strong as Your Wi-Fi? Ever connected to a Wi-Fi network named "TrustMeMaybe"? Yeah, not ideal. The same goes for leadership: shaky connections lead to dropped calls and frustrated followers. Why #Trust Matters: 1. Stronger teams: Trust fosters collaboration, open communication, and a willingness to take risks. Imagine a team where ideas flow freely and everyone feels supported! 2. Higher engagement: When employees trust their leader, they're more motivated, productive, and likely to stick around. Happy employees equal happy business! 3. Better decision-making: Trust allows for honest feedback and diverse perspectives, leading to more informed choices. No more "Emperor's New Clothes" situations! So, how do you build those trust bridges? Here are some tips: Be #authentic: Show your true self, flaws and all. Authenticity breeds connection. Keep your #promises: Actions speak louder than words. Be reliable and consistent. #Communicate openly: Share information, both good and bad. Transparency builds trust. Be vulnerable: Admit mistakes and ask for help. It shows you're human and approachable. Empower others: Give your team autonomy and ownership. Trust their abilities. Celebrate successes: Recognize and reward achievements, big and small. Everyone loves appreciation! Building trust is a journey, not a destination. Every interaction, every decision, shapes your bond with your team. So, ditch the shaky Wi-Fi and start building a connection that's strong, secure, and ready to power your team to success! Now, it's your turn! Share your best tips for building trust in leadership in the comments below. #leadership #trust #teamwork #engagement #communication #authenticity #empowerment #success

Are you a Financial Services CEO who wants to save money and reduce risk? Then read on…   🤝 Embracing Integrity as a Leader: Reflecting on a recent holiday email I sent to contacts, I acknowledge a missed opportunity for a personal touch. It's a humbling reminder of the significance of integrity in leadership. 💡 Why Acknowledge and Correct Mistakes? Admitting fault is a testament to authenticity. In the business realm, acknowledging errors fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. It humanizes leaders, showing that they, too, are on a journey of continuous improvement. 🌐 The Ripple Effect of Integrity: As leaders, our actions set the tone for the entire organization. Demonstrating integrity trickles down, influencing the team's commitment to honesty and accountability. When leaders openly address mistakes, it encourages a culture where everyone feels empowered to learn and grow. 🚀 Building Trust: Integrity is the bedrock of trust. Employees, clients, and partners appreciate leaders who are not only competent but also willing to admit when things could be better. Trust is earned through authenticity, and it forms the basis for enduring professional relationships. 🔍 The Lens of Integrity: Viewing leadership decisions through the lens of integrity ensures that every action aligns with ethical standards. Whether it's personalizing a holiday email or making strategic decisions, leaders guided by integrity cultivate an environment where ethical behavior is paramount. 🌟 Turning Mistakes into Opportunities: Correcting oversights transforms them into opportunities for growth. It showcases resilience and a commitment to excellence. Leaders who navigate challenges with integrity inspire their teams to do the same, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. 🤲 Leadership in Action: I'm sharing this acknowledgment openly because leadership is not about perfection; it's about continuous learning and improvement. Let's embrace the power of integrity, turning every misstep into a steppingstone toward becoming better leaders for our teams and ourselves. 🌈 In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, integrity remains our guiding star. It's not just about doing the right thing when everyone is watching; it's about doing the right thing, especially when faced with challenges. Here's to cultivating a culture of integrity and growth. 🚀💙 How has integrity played a pivotal role in shaping your leadership journey, and what steps do you take to instill a culture of authenticity and growth within your team?? 🤔🌟 Give me a shout if this resonates with you and you’d like to chat. #LeadershipIntegrity #ContinuousImprovement #ReflectAndConnect

When is time to stand out or raise? Watching the repercussions of the USA election debate and its outcomes, all over the world there is a discussion about that. Stay or leave. What decision should a leader in a company do in such situations? In every organization, moments arise when leadership shows signs of weakness. This can be a pivotal juncture, influencing the morale, direction, and future of the team. The big question is: when a leader shows signals of weakness, is it better to stand out or raise? Standing out means stepping up to fill the void. It involves showcasing your skills, taking initiative, and leading by example. In times of uncertainty, those who stand out can provide the much-needed stability and direction. By demonstrating competence and confidence, you can reassure your team and stakeholders that the organization remains in capable hands. This approach not only strengthens your personal brand but also positions you as a reliable pillar within the organization. On the other hand, raising implies uplifting and supporting the leader and the team as a whole. This approach focuses on collaboration, empathy, and collective strength. It means offering support, providing constructive feedback, and working together to navigate the challenges. By raising the team, you build a culture of resilience and unity, ensuring that the organization can withstand and overcome periods of weakness. Both strategies have their merits. Standing out can propel your career and showcase your leadership potential. Raising can foster a strong, collaborative environment and ensure long-term success. The key is to assess the situation and determine what will best serve the organization and your team. In moments of leadership weakness, it's crucial to balance personal ambition with the greater good. Sometimes, the best leaders are those who know when to shine and when to support others in shining. By thoughtfully navigating these dynamics, you can contribute to a stronger, more resilient organization, while also advancing your professional journey. What’s your approach when you notice signs of weakness in leadership? Do you prefer to stand out or raise the team? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! #Leadership #CareerGrowth #TeamBuilding #ProfessionalDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture Ps: there is no political intention in this post, only a discussion about a thought decision on leadership

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀…   𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁…   𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆   Leaders who protect their team members from challenges also create a sense of safety and security within the organization.   Team members feel more comfortable taking risks and innovating when they know that they have full support of their leader.   𝟮. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲   By actively protecting their team from unnecessary obstacles and challenges, leaders build trust and confidence among their members.   This trust forms the foundation for strong relationships and effective teamwork.   𝟯. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲   Great leaders understand that their role isn't just to delegate tasks but also to provide support and guidance to their team members.   They aim to create an environment where individuals feel supported and empowered to tackle challenges effectively.   𝟰.𝗙 𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲   While great leaders may protect their team from some challenges, they also recognize the importance of building resilience.   Instead of shielding their team from all difficulties, they provide opportunities for growth and learning, helping individuals develop the skills needed to overcome obstacles in the future.   𝟱.  𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲   Great leaders lead by example, demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude in the face of challenges.   By modeling effective coping strategies, they inspire their team members to approach challenges with confidence and determination.   𝟲. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵   While it's important for leaders to protect their team from unnecessary challenges, they must also ensure that individuals have opportunities for growth and development.   This requires striking a balance between providing support and allowing room for individuals to stretch their capabilities.   𝟳. 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆   Great leaders understand that challenges are inevitable in any organization.   They remain adaptable and flexible, adjusting their approach as needed to address emerging challenges and support their team members effectively.   In summary, the statement "Great leaders protect you from all challenges" highlights the importance of leadership in creating a supportive, secure environment where individuals can thrive.   Would love to hear your thoughts on this statement and the video…   (Video Credit: To the respective owner)   #Leadership #leadershipdevelopment #leadershiptraining #teambuilding #outboundtraining #experientialtraining  

Putting this in a Star Wars world, when trust is broken, there is a disturbance in the force. It impacts the person, who broke it, the immediate person whose trust was broken and all the stakeholders touched by the team. But all hope is not lost. It can be rebuilt. It will take a lot of time and effort and patience. But it is well worth the effort. I consider myself a good but not perfect leader who has made and learned from mistakes. I have occasionally violated a trust, followed the correction path presented here and reedtablished if. So if you break a trust, make it better. And whatever you do, learn your lesson and do jot break the person’s trust again.

क्या कभी आप पे किसी ने ट्रस्ट किया ? मुझपे भी किया एंड मैंने भी किया! Read below to dive into a personal insight on:   -Leadership and Trust -The outcome of Trust in the Organizational Culture -My Recipe of Trust   The Plot: Trust for me is, when someone completely believes in your ability, integrity, genuity & character and finds absolutely no need for micro management, or in a way, adding more human capital.   Trust is one of the most critical virtues in an organization or any form of relationship, and as per a study conducted by Harvard Business School, Trust is one of the vital forms of capital a Leader has today🕺   Now, you must be wondering, why this Gentleman, out of nowhere, and that too after being MIA for so long is suddenly talking about the topic Trust?   LinkedIn, for me, means genuine narratives. A recent heart-to-heart, amidst discussing work yesterday with #TheOne Arpit Agrawal sparked this reflection, thus the post.   In legacy organizations like JECRC, trust isn't a luxury but a necessity, fostering responsibility and innovation. Under #TheOne's guidance, trust becomes the cornerstone, sculpting individuals into accountable and responsible individuals leaders.   When a leaders trusts his people, they feel safe to experiment, take risks, innovate, go the extra mile and stop working as merely employee. In every action they take or every decision they make, reflects full accountability, responsibility and ownership towards their decision, and this can only happen, when your leader Trusts you.   I feel it has been a blessing for me and the entire JECRC fraternity to be working under the leadership of #TheOne, whose leadership has plethora of unique qualities, but the best is, his unique ability of trusting his people, and when he does so, the results are and will always be positive.   For me, it’s his Trust that has made me a Responsible chap!   This prompts questions: How to foster trust? My personal take here is: 🔋Energy- Hips and Energy dont Lie. 🪜Consistency of Efforts with The Right Intent. 🗣️Open Communication and Vulnerability. 🪽Positive Mindset with a Never give up Attitude.   What's your secret in cultivating trust within teams or individuals? And what is your take on the 5 Letter word TRUST!   PS : The Picture here Depicts Trust and Love Between JECRC Family “ Not that of an Employer and an Employee” #leader #trust #organizationalleadership #culture