Aarti
Can I trust you? A good leader has many attributes, one of which is trustworthiness. Being trustworthy requires a certain set of qualities. Our character is built on a foundation of trustworthy attributes, which are internal qualities. These characteristics are inherent to our identity and will always be present, no matter what. I have simplified things by identifying four main characteristics of a trustworthy person:
1. Competence
Having a clear goal and purpose in mind is essential for achieving success in any effort. In other words, we shouldn’t expect to know everything, but we should be well-equipped to handle whatever comes our way. If our subordinates do not believe we are competent to lead, they will not stay under our wing. They trust us to lead them wisely, not because they think we’ll never make a bad choice.
Every leader needs the ability to articulate the reasoning behind their decisions, whether it’s the relative merits of several courses of action, the suitability of their marketing and sales tactics to the products they are peddling, the specifics of their training routine, or the anticipated effectiveness of a certain play against the opposing defense. Never mind if we don’t know everything; what matters is that those we lead have faith in our abilities to guide them toward realizing the organization’s goals.
2. Integrity
Honesty is essential for a leader to succeed, if not the most important factor. Particularly leaders with a heart for improving the lives of their followers. Possessing strong leadership abilities requires a solid groundwork. How can your employees trust you with both major and minor decisions if you can’t be relied upon yourself? While they might show you some interest, it won’t be genuine enthusiasm or dedication.
ALSO READ: The 4 Ways to Identify Your Blind Spots
The rationale behind this is straightforward: if people are unsure of the decision’s or direction’s veracity, they will not know who to believe. They might follow for a while, but it would be on condition, very slowly, or with doubts at every turn. Exemplify it if you possess integrity. Before others start to view you as untrustworthy, fix your integrity issues as soon as possible.
3. Security
A trustworthy leader is one who exudes confidence—not bluster but genuine self-assurance, the kind that doesn’t require a posse of followers who are just trying to win over the boss. In my view, a connection with God is the surest way to gain an authentic feeling of self-worth, the type of confidence that is unshakeable no matter what. Understanding that He made me and loves me is more powerful than any self-help book. Knowing that Jesus Christ made the supreme sacrifice for my sins has humbled me and given me strength. Being aware of God’s immense love for me is a tremendous thing. When leaders have self-confidence, they devote themselves to assisting others in reaching their maximum potential. A leader who is secure in their position is able to encourage those who will follow them.
4. Authenticity
Being genuine is essential for establishing rapport, building trust, and maintaining loyalty. Leaders should be authentic first and foremost. Fake news is easily identifiable. Although I am reserved at first, I am quick to crack jokes and open up when I get to know someone. Publicly, I appear more serious than when I’m alone with myself. That is my true self; pretending to be someone else would be dishonest and fake. Someone another might be more naturally charismatic or able to strike up conversations with strangers. Still, neither I, nor anybody else, has any business pretending to be someone we aren’t. We ought to put to good use the abilities that God has given us.
