How great leaders build trust (10 Powerful Phrases)

“The leader’s job is to put other people on stage.” – Liz Wiseman

Why it works

Liz Wiseman (pictured) is an American author, researcher and executive advisor best known for her work on how leaders can make those around them smarter. After working at Oracle from 1988 to 2005, she spent the last two decades diving deeper into why some leaders stifle potential while others create environments where people thrive. As an executive advisor, she has shaped leadership practices in top organizations worldwide.

In her NYT bestseller Multipliers, Wiseman contrasts two types of leaders: multipliers and diminishers. Diminishers, often unknowingly, micromanage, hoard control, and undermine confidence, making teams dependent on their direction. Multipliers, by contrast, practice trust-based leadership. They challenge people to think independently, take ownership, and grow. As a result, they create space for others to contribute at their full potential.

Trust is at the heart of Wiseman’s Multiplier model. Leaders who empower rather than control build resilient, engaged, and innovative teams. How leaders speak can make or break a team, either reinforcing trust or eroding it. Here are 10 powerful phrases great leaders use to build trust in different contexts.

How to do it

1) Delegation
Micromanagers insist on consenting to every decision, keeping tight control over even minor details. Trusting leaders stay informed while allowing their team to take ownership – as in “Keep me updated on progress. I trust you’ll make the right calls.”

2) Flexibility
Micromanagers enforce rigid schedules and expect employees to be available at specific times. Trusting leaders focus on outcomes rather than clock-watching – as in “Work when you’re most productive. I care about the results, not the clock.”

3) Autonomy
Micromanagers want to be involved in every decision, limiting their team’s independence. Trusting leaders empower their team to make choices with confidence – as in,“I trust your judgment. Let me know if you need support.”

4) Creativity
Micromanagers expect strict adherence to their way of doing things. Trusting leaders encourage fresh perspectives and appreciate innovative thinking – as in, “I love your unique approach. What led you to try it this way?”

5) Communication
Micromanagers demand constant updates, requiring oversight of every small step. Trusting leaders focus on key milestones, allowing their team to manage independently – as in, ”Keep me in the loop on key updates. I trust you’ll handle the details.”

6) Feedback
Micromanagers critique work without leaving room for discussion. Trusting leaders offer constructive feedback and encourage reflection – as in, ”I like the direction you’re going. Walk me through your thought process.”

7) Support
Micromanagers push for faster results without considering obstacles. Trusting leaders take the time to understand and remove roadblocks – as in, ”Are there any blockers slowing you down I can help remove?”

 8) Ownership
Micromanagers demand to review every detail before anything is finalized. Trusting leaders give their team the confidence to take responsibility for their work – as in, ”Go for it. Share the final version when you’re happy with it.”

9) Empowerment
Micromanagers assume mistakes will happen unless they double-check everything. Trusting leaders believe in their team’s capabilities and offer guidance only when necessary – as in, “I trust your attention to detail. Let me know if you face any challenges.”

10) Adaptability
Micromanagers enforce strict adherence to the original plan, even when adjustments are needed. Trusting leaders allow flexibility and are confident their team will make good decisions – as in, “Feel free to adjust if needed. I know you’ll make the right call.”

Great leaders don't create followers. They create more leaders.

Which style are you choosing?

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Until next week,
Christian

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