Is trust an essential part of Leadership? Warren Buffet thinks so..
19. Apr, 2010 
1 Comment
What do some leaders do that enables them to build trust without spending a huge amount of one to one time with their teams?
I think Warren Buffet has managed to do it (although some may disagree) – he states:
“Trust is like the air we breathe. When it’s present, nobody really notices. But when it’s absent, everybody notices.” —Warren Buffett
It is worth having a look at how Warren Buffet treats his employees. From what I have read and seen (on documentaries) he genuinely cares for people, recognises them and is genuinely interested in them.
Warren Buffet’s is a self empowered leader, because he is loyal, sets goals, plans a strategy for achievement, and stays committed until he accomplishes his purpose.
He is not only successful financially (Forbes Magazine ranks Buffett the third richest person in the world in September 2007 behind Carlos Slim and Bill Gates) but he is known to have the trust of every one that works for him. When interviewed his employees loved working for him and most never leave!
So we have an example of someone that achieves success as well as has the trust of his entire workforce.
The challenge for us all is building and maintaining trust whilst under the pressure of our own goals and objectives, is it as simple as Warren Buffet suggests?
I think it really is that simple Jenny. Trust is something that has to be built and it goes hand in hand with respect. What you’ve outlined above is that link. All it takes is a change in attitude by the leadership team to have similar effects, however to do so they need to put aside their fear and embrace openness, because it’s only when you let go of fear that you can actually allow others to become leaders too. And a great leader isn’t threatened by the rise of others.