The Blindspot in Leadership: A Journey from Doubt to Assumed Trust

By Siân Jones

In one of my earliest leadership roles, I found myself grappling with the productivity of a colleague (let's call her Sara), an indispensable member of our team.

Sara's extended lunch breaks and perceived inattentiveness irked me. But was this discomfort about Sara's commitment or my assumptions?One day, frustration peaked, and I sidestepped direct confrontation, choosing instead to relay my concerns to Sara's manager. Expecting reprimands to follow, I was completely taken aback when asked to consider Sara's perspective.

This twist unveils a prevalent blindspot in leadership – the balance between assumed trust and earned trust. 

The Mirror of Self-Awareness 

Before judging another's actions, leaders must first look inward. Was my discomfort stemming from a genuine concern for productivity, or was it a manifestation of my own insecurities and standards? Had I ever considered that Sara might be dealing with personal challenges, or that her work methodology, albeit different, could be equally effective?

Self-awareness in leadership isn't just about recognising one's strengths and weaknesses; it's about understanding the subconscious biases and beliefs that colour our judgements. It's only when leaders hold a mirror to their assumptions that they can truly lead with empathy.

The Empowerment of Assumed Trust

By starting with an assumption of trust, leaders lay the foundations for empowerment. Sara, if trusted from the outset, would have been given a platform to voice her challenges or explain her work approach.

Some might argue that this is naive, but creating an atmosphere where team members feel valued from day one does not mean letting go of accountability. It's a both/and situation where you can trust and be clear about outcomes simultaneously. It allows team members to innovate, voice concerns, and address challenges head-on, knowing they're trusted. Whereas if they have to earn trust by complying to invisible standards or expectations, it creates an environment of wariness and confusion.

The Transformative Power of Narrative

My story is a tale of reflection. It took me too long to realise this, but my error wasn't in seeking accountability but in the route I took, bypassing direct communication. When I finally sat down with Sara, I discovered she was balancing a demanding personal situation, yet her work outcomes were consistent. Those "extended" lunches? Time she spent mentally recalibrating to give her best to the job. However, even if her story was different, her motivations more egocentric, her outcomes less positive, I have no doubt that giving my feedback directly and from a position of trust, would have landed more effectively than one grounded in negative assumptions.

My Lesson

Trust, especially when assumed, isn't just a leadership tool—it's an acknowledgment of humanity. By intertwining self-awareness with assumed trust, leaders don't just drive productivity; they sculpt an environment of understanding and mutual respect. In this space, individuals don't just work; they thrive.