Trust is tested in those moments.
When everything is going smoothly and decisions are working, leaders demonstrate competence—and that can inspire trust.
But trust is truly tested when things go wrong.
When a decision doesn’t work out, what do you do?
Do you accept accountability…
or do you look for someone else to blame?
Your people are always watching.
They don’t expect perfection.
They don’t expect you to always be right.
But they do expect you to do what is right.
The best leaders give credit for success—and take responsibility for failure.
That approach earns respect.
And it builds trust.
In the military, I was taught that a commander is responsible for everything their unit does—or fails to do.
It’s a high bar.
But it’s the right bar.
Because leadership is not about control—it’s about responsibility.
It takes character and courage to accept responsibility, especially when you were not the direct cause of the outcome.
But leadership isn’t about proximity—it’s about ownership.
Maybe the wrong person was assigned.
Maybe expectations weren’t clear.
Maybe training was insufficient.
Whatever the reason, great leaders own the result.
And when they do, something powerful happens.
Their team knows they are supported.
Psychological safety is created.
People stop protecting themselves…
and start taking initiative.
They make decisions.
They take risks.
They grow.
And trust deepens.
Challenge
Where can you demonstrate your character today by taking responsibility?
