Build trust by sharing and seeking the truth Trust is the second most important leadership trait for followers, according to the same Gallup Leadership Report. This is built through openness and honesty – a delicate balance when a sense of possibility and inspiration are so key. Of course, there will be highly disruptive times when being both inspiring and open are not possible at once. During organisational restructures, redundancies or mergers for instance, it is clarity and honesty that win through. “The truth is just so much more palatable than some sugar-coated story,” says Louise Stigant, former UK MD, Mondelēz International. “Sometimes when things are tough, leaders can hunker down and not spend as much time with their team. In those moments, you need to be more visible. Check in, listen and understand how people are feeling in a very open, authentic way.” It is a leader’s duty to seek out the truth, says Ruth Kelly, Aldi’s COO: “We have a phrase we use: self-information. It is up to us to get out and get the information from people in the store, the warehouse and customers.” To manage the balance of inspiration and realism, leaders are asking questions and workshopping across silos so everyone can flag risks and develop solutions.
Hand over the wheel The best leaders then create space and trust for everyone not just to follow but to make their own decisions. From the outset, this means encouraging colleagues to develop ideas and pursue ambitions that support the organisation’s strategy. Giving people ownership of an idea, and the confidence to develop it into a viable project, helps turn enthusiasm into action. Leadership becomes a skill people can practice at every level, rather than a responsibility reserved for those at the top.
The team at Lactalis sees the value in this approach, says their Group Supply Chain Director, Nicole Kurz: “It’s about involving the right people: the people who are actually doing the day-to-day work. If they are involved in the decisions, they are aware of the risks and can flag concerns so we can make a turn where necessary.” Such side-by-side, hands-on collaboration is when transformation happens. Take care Consciously keep your own tank topped up to successfully convey grounded optimism, says Paloma Lopez from Bel Group: “If your mind, your body, your emotions are at peace, you have a clear head to make good decisions and to lead others without creating more stress,” she says. “Run, have a cup of tea – whatever it takes to improve your resilience and be in the space to show people there is a way through,” says Louise Stigant, formerly of Mondelēz.
This requires building the right mindsets and skills to face into disruption.
“The truth is just so much more palatable than some sugar- coated story.”
Louise Stigant Former UK MD Mondelez International
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