Leadership is often cited as the cornerstone of effective organizations — paving the way not only for institutional success but for budding professionals to hone their skills.
However, despite its critical importance, only about 20% of employees feel they can rely on their supervisors. Why? Broken promises, poor communication, lack of transparency, and other trust-eroding behaviors. While some executives may dismiss these trust deficits as inevitable, the reality is far more consequential: low employee trust directly impacts engagement, retention, and productivity.
If you’re an aspiring or acting leader, you may be wondering how to turn the tide and create a culture that not only inspires the trust of your team but encourages them to perform their very best — elevating the competence and confidence of your workers while fostering a healthy workplace culture.
Let’s explore 7 strategies you can depend on to inspire team-wide success.
1. Make purpose a priority
Great leaders know it isn’t enough to give employees a checklist of tasks. To help your team operate at maximum capacity, you can’t only communicate your department’s what to employees: the duties, technicalities, and deadlines. They also need to understand the why: the vision, purpose, and values that drive your organization.
– Corrie Betts, MSOL
Whether fulfilling a departmental objective or completing a project, the most motivational leaders articulate their team’s mission with clarity and passion. Their enthusiasm sweeps the team, creating the foundation for colleagues to remain compelled and committed to a common goal.
Example
A nonprofit leader working toward community wellness ties each team member’s efforts to the broader goal of improving lives. By creating this connection, they inspire their team to push boundaries and achieve more.
Takeaway
Define your vision, connect it to your team’s work, and communicate it often to keep everyone aligned.
2. Talk with trust and transparency
Establishing yourself as a trustworthy leader willing to be transparent with your team does more than enhance office communication — it bolsters employees’ faith in their organization and its leaders.
Dependable leaders earn trust by being honest, consistent, and transparent. They create an environment where team members feel safe to share ideas, voice concerns, and take calculated risks without fear of blame.
Example
A manager who openly shares project challenges and progress builds credibility, encourages collaboration, and strengthens team ties.
Takeaway
Be open and honest in your communication. Lead by example and address mistakes as opportunities to learn together.
3. Empower your employees
Great leaders recognize that empowering others is essential for team-wide success, professional development, and the overall health of their department.
– Connor Martin, MSOL
They delegate effectively, provide the resources and training needed, and trust their team to deliver results.
Example
A tech startup leader who enables each team member to take the helm on their projects fosters a sense of ownership and innovation. When people feel they’re playing a critical role and contributing to organizational success, they are encouraged to go above and beyond.
Takeaway
Act as an advocate for employee autonomy. Give workers room to grow by challenging them to embrace meaningful opportunities and responsibilities — offering support as needed without overstepping.
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4. Make empathy a must
Leadership isn’t merely a matter of management; fundamentally, it’s about understanding and connecting with people.
The most effective leaders make their best effort to be emotionally in tune — empathizing with their team, managing their emotions, and navigating interpersonal challenges with aplomb.
Example
In the face of a setback, an emotionally intelligent leader remains cool-headed and supportive, helping the team regroup and refocus. This stabilizing presence boosts morale and resilience while modeling a healthy attitude toward conflict.
Takeaway
Practice active listening and empathy to strengthen your team’s emotional well-being. Maintain composure when addressing conflicts to promote a productive approach to interpersonal problem-solving.
5. Celebrate success
Cheering for achievements, big or small, is a simple but profound way to promote team morale.
Outstanding leaders understand that recognition fuels a positive cycle of productivity and engagement.
Example
A school principal who highlights individual teacher accomplishments and shared team achievements nurtures a sense of community and pride.
Takeaway
Celebrate the wins with your team. For maximum impact, tailor praise to each team members’ preferences (e.g., 1-1 feedback, a written note, a shot-out in a meeting, etc.).
6. Cultivate continuous growth
Extraordinary leaders regard mistakes as opportunities for learning —pushing their teams to develop new skills and identify as lifelong learners.
They invest in professional development and create an environment that values curiosity and innovation.
Example
A business leader who funds leadership workshops or encourages participation in conferences keeps their team at the cutting-edge of a competitive industry.
Takeaway
Promote a growth mindset and provide resources for your team to advance their knowledge and abilities.
7. Embrace authenticity
Authenticity is the bedrock of mutual trust and respect, allowing leaders to establish genuine connections with their workers.
– Vincent Grigsby, MSOL
Likewise, well-regarded leaders stay true to their values and practice what they preach.
Example
A leader who consistently demonstrates fairness, honesty, and a humble attitude inspires loyalty and sets a positive example for employees.
Takeaway
Be true to your word, own your mistakes, and lead with humility to foster a culture of respect and accountability.
It’s time to uplift and inspire
Leadership is more than a position, job title, or salary increase; it’s a pivotal responsibility calling you to inspire and uplift others. By communicating a clear vision, building trust, empowering team members, and modeling integrity, you can be a leader who helps your whole team thrive.
Ready to write your leadership story? It’s time to begin the next chapter of your career — discover more about earning your MSOL at Goodwin University!
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.