This is a GREAT study, although it was not an extensive study. But when I learned of it from Pete Cutbush, I found the research and thought it was spot on; although that may be my biases shining through. As I was taught by all my former business leaders, leading with safety can influence ALL aspects of the organization. So learning that CARING was found to be the most important precursor of trust was not a surprise. And how do we show we care? Through strong financials? Great production numbers? We lead with SAFETY, and this element shows we CARE for the men and women doing our dirty and dangerous work.
Highlights
- Trust and distrust were found to be opposites on a continuum; this supports organisations focusing on trust development.
- Care was found to be the most important precursor of trust, contrary to predictions that honesty would be the most important.
- Industry context appeared to influence trust formation; the stability of the oil and gas sector better enabled a culture of care.
- Distrust factors could be sector agnostic, as honesty, care, and concern were highly ranked across the two sectors.
According to the study, below are eight (8) qualities leaders need to build TRUST, ranked in significance from most to least importance:
