Talking About Trust Is Easy... Trusting Is Hard.

One of the most honest and revealing questions any leader can ask themselves is: how much do I truly trust the people I lead? Trust isn’t just about delegation or believing in someone’s abilities. It’s about empowering others to make meaningful decisions.

Imagine you’re responsible for a budget. Would you feel comfortable allocating a portion of it directly to your team, giving them the autonomy to pursue initiatives they believe in? Would you trust that, within the strategic goals and constraints of the organisation, they would use those resources wisely and in alignment with the broader mission?

If the answer is no, that opens the door to an equally important question: What would it take for me to be able to answer yes to the first question?

This follow-up isn’t about blame. It’s about growth. It challenges leaders to reflect on what might be missing: clearer communication of vision, better alignment on values, stronger relationships, more robust development opportunities, or perhaps a culture that encourages accountability and initiative.

Talking about trust is easy. The hard part is trusting.