In the business world, the traditional command and control management model is losing its relevance. The most successful companies now understand that trust & track leadership (leadership based on trust and follow-up) constitutes a significant competitive advantage. In times of crisis, it is this type of leadership that proves to be the most effective and allows companies to remain resilient.
Le concept « trust & track leadership » was introduced by Nick Sarillo, a Chicago restaurant entrepreneur. This approach opposes the authoritarian management style and emphasizes trust and the establishment of a monitoring system. It is crucial not to confuse trust & track with trust & hope (trust and hope that everything goes well). The method is based on creating a culture of trust while providing individuals with the means to monitor work progress in real time. Trust must be given to those who deserve it, and not distributed indiscriminately. It is essential to demonstrate integrity, make good decisions and be predictable to be trustworthy. Values guide a person’s behavior when they are alone. Making good decisions is reassuring, but this is not enough to inspire confidence. It is also necessary to be predictable and demonstrate an ability to always make informed decisions. Unpredictability and occasional irrational decisions undermine confidence.
How to create a climate of trust
Creating a climate of trust within the company is even more crucial in times of crisis. The new normal imposed by confinement and teleworking has disrupted the comfort zone of employees, plunging them into an “extension zone” where they explore new ways of working. However, this zone can sometimes tip into a “panic zone”. In a panic situation, individuals seek refuge outside the company, leading to a breakdown of trust and disengagement. To support the efforts required, it is therefore recommended to create a safe space (safe space) within the company. This virtual concept allows everyone to express their discomfort or discomfort without being judged., and find caring support. This practice promotes an environment conducive to employee development and builds trust..
How to follow up
In addition, good follow-up is essential to ensure success. Unfortunately, few companies have adequate dashboards. There are two ways to measure : ex post verification, which is equivalent to a control, and real-time monitoring, which allows you to act before it is too late. Real-time monitoring offers an opportunity for immediate action, constructive and caring feedback to improve results. By sharing data with all stakeholders, we promote collective intelligence and employee commitment, which constitutes a real competitive advantage.
In summary, the trust & track leadership is based on three pillars : confidence, monitoring and security space. Companies that adopt this approach succeed in creating a strong and resilient work environment, conducive to the performance and commitment of all stakeholders. This is exactly what the BNI method offers to change the way the world does business.
