Episode Summary

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes welcomes Tim Threipland from FranklinCovey to discuss the critical role of trust in organisational culture and leadership. They explore how trust impacts performance, the effects of the pandemic on work culture, and the importance of intentionality in building high-trust environments. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to extend trust, create psychological safety, and navigate the complexities of hybrid work. Tim emphasises that trust is not just a soft skill but a vital component of business success, urging leaders to focus on measurable outcomes and engage employees in the process of building a trusting culture.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership and thriving organisational cultures.
2. High-trust cultures foster agility, leading to faster decision-making and improved performance metrics.
3. Trust is not just a soft skill—it's a measurable and critical business outcome.
4. The pandemic has spotlighted vulnerabilities in organisational cultures, offering opportunities for growth.
5. Fear-driven, control-oriented leadership erodes trust and limits organisational potential.
6. Psychological safety is the foundation of trust and must be intentionally nurtured within teams.
7. Leaders must actively design and sustain cultures that prioritise trust to achieve long-term success.
8. Employees play a vital role in trust-building by clearly communicating their needs, contributions, and feedback.
9. Trust flourishes through consistent, transparent communication and alignment of expectations.
10. Extending trust as the default approach empowers teams and reinforces a culture of mutual respect.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 05:02 Understanding Trust in Organizations 11:53 The Impact of the Pandemic on Work Culture 18:01 Navigating Fear and Control in Leadership 25:10 Building High Trust Cultures 29:52 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts