Humility at the Helm: Building Trust

by Pamela Coleman

July 2025

Historian Yuval Harari recently stated that the main job of leaders is to build trust. However, in its 2025 forecast, Development Dimensions International (DDI) reported a dramatic 17-point drop in leadership trust from 2022 to 2024. What is causing this alarming trend?

The world is moving fast. Leaders face enormous pressure to deliver results. And despite their recognition of culture’s importance, all too often leaders relegate it to a below-the-line initiative. Culture does not always receive the investment it deserves.

Trust and culture hold hands. Without trust, leaders may try to lead, but followers will not follow. Without trust, it is nearly impossible for leaders to achieve their cultural aims, assuming they have even taken the time to define them.

There are three indispensable leadership traits that build trust. Humility is one of them. Humility sidelines ego, encourages openness, and signals a willingness to collaborate. It teaches us that achieving the best results requires the talents of everyone on the team. Your humility as a leader builds confidence in others and creates trust.

Yo-Yo Ma is one of the world's top cellists. He established the Silk Road Ensemble to showcase obscure musical instruments and talented young musicians. I was fortunate to see a performance by this ensemble. Mr. Ma sat discreetly behind the ensemble, smiling, nodding encouragement, and saying very little. He allowed each musician to take center stage as they explained the exotic instruments and introduced pieces. Mr. Ma's humility sponsored collaboration. I clearly saw that true collaboration is also true leadership, because to collaborate, one must allow and guide the boldness in others.

How much humility do you show at work? Do you encourage your team’s boldness?

Need more ideas? I have a model! Please reach out…