Fault Lines

Season 3 Premiere: The Trust Gap Between Authority and Influence

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Why do managers struggle to lead change even when they have authority? In this episode, leadership consultant Marcy Levy Shankman explains the critical difference between positional power and relational trust, and why confusing the two is the most common mistake new leaders make.


You'll learn the confidence-comfort framework for closing the knowing-doing gap, how to build trust with remote teams, and how to recognize the warning signs of a fear-based organizational culture. Whether you're a new manager, senior leader, or HR professional, this conversation offers practical tools for building the kind of trust that turns compliance into commitment.

Topics covered: leadership trust, authority vs. influence, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, team management, the knowing-doing gap, virtual team trust, psychological safety, fear-based culture, change management

Key Takeaways

  • Why positional authority doesn't equal leadership influence
  • The confidence-comfort framework for team performance
  • How to diagnose a fear-based workplace culture
  • Two questions every manager should ask in one-on-ones

    • Trust For Thought

    Ask someone on your team who's stuck:

    • What would make you more confident that you could try this and recover if it doesn't work?
    • What would make you more comfortable experimenting here?

      • Resources Mentioned

      Emotionally Intelligent Leadership by Marcy Levy Shankman & Scott Allen

      Think Again by Adam Grant
      2026 Edelman Trust Barometer (report)

      Connect

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      LinkedIn: Richard Roman

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      Fault LinesBy Richard Roman