Trust is essential for any leader looking to achieve success with their team. As Diane Scott discusses in her Best Boss Podcast, building and maintaining trust should be a top priority. She uses the example of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who purchased the Wrexham soccer team in Wales, to illustrate effective strategies for establishing trust.
Scott emphasizes that trust is built through individual interactions and genuine listening. “Best bosses really know that trust…is actually built one on one on one. It’s an individual basis on one conversation at a time,” she explains. Reynolds and McElhenney exemplified this by going on a listening tour in the Wrexham community, hearing directly from fans, local business owners, and community leaders to understand their hopes and concerns.
Crucially, they didn’t just listen – they followed up their words with visible actions that demonstrated their commitment, like hiring paid employees and helping revitalize the community. As Scott notes, “Words and actions matter when engaging with communities or groups of people. Mistrust is built by empty words, not followed by actions.”
Another key insight is that trust goes both ways. If you want your team to trust you as a leader, you need to show that you trust them as well. Micromanaging sends the opposite message. “Best bosses demonstrate trust by leaving people alone,” Scott observes. Clearly communicate your trust and expectations, then give your team space to get the work done.
Building trust takes time and intentionality, but it’s worth the effort. Reynolds and McElhenney’s thoughtful approach has led to newfound success for the Wrexham team. By focusing on trust, you too can bring out the best in your team and achieve your leadership goals. As Scott puts it, “Trust is not just a nice to have; it’s a foundational element.”