As leaders, we often focus on performance, strategy, and outcomes—but there’s one resource that underpins them all: trust. Not just the trust you have in your team, but the trust they have in you. And like any resource, it needs to be managed.

Think of trust like a bank account. Every interaction is a transaction. Some moments are deposits—following through on a commitment, listening without interrupting, or giving credit where it’s due. Others are withdrawals—missing a deadline without explanation, micromanaging after delegating, or avoiding a difficult conversation.

It’s easy to forget that trust is built in small, consistent moments—not grand gestures. You don’t need to be flawless, but you do need to be intentional. That means being aware of how your tone in a meeting, your timing on feedback, or even your body language during a difficult discussion can add to—or chip away at—your team’s confidence in you.

The tricky part? Withdrawals often carry more weight than deposits. One broken promise can outweigh weeks of support. That’s why great leadership includes not just being trustworthy, but actively maintaining and repairing trust as part of how you lead.

A helpful habit is to pause and ask:

• Have I made any deposits today?

• Where might I have unintentionally made a withdrawal?

You might be surprised how quickly trust grows when you treat it as something you build and maintain—not just something you expect.

Because when trust is high, communication flows, accountability strengthens, and people thrive. When it’s low, even the basics feel like a struggle.

If you’re ready to lead with more clarity, connection, and calm—let’s talk. I support leaders to build trust, empower their teams, and stop carrying everything on their own.

It starts with one shift—and one conversation.

If this message resonated, I’d love to explore how we can work together.