Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Trust is crucial for influence and credibility. Oren Harari in The Powell Principles: 24 Lessons from Colin Powell, a Legendary Leader shares a good word on establishing trust that’s essential for leaders to learn.

People are inclined to trust those who…

• Are competent – individuals who have relevant knowledge and experience and can keep the organization whole and healthy.
• Have character – people who stand for something (a value, an ideal, a cause, a mission).
• Have courage – people who stand for what is right even in the face of adversity.
• Are loyal – people who are committed to those below, beside and above them.
• Have confidence – people who have a spirit of certainty and resolve.

These attributes can be distilled into three tactics:

• Never underestimate the “trust factor.” A leader needs to exemplify many essential traits—those mentioned, as well as selflessness, sacrifice, and empathy.
• Encourage communication. A leader has to be available for his people to communicate with and to do so without fear of retribution, which will build trust.
• Be a servant leader. A leader needs to lead out in an example of service.