Leadership in Economic Development: Trust and Inspire

By Joy Wilkins, CEcD

Trusting others is among the most important of our life's works. People who trust those they lead bring out the very best in them — and in all of us.
— Stephen M. R. Covey

The last few years have been marked with the unexpected — whether we are talking about how we serve, what we do, or who we work with. And while our surrounding environment continues to evolve and even disrupt, there is an ever-pervasive call for all of us to continually adapt in our leadership as we seek to improve the human condition in the world around us.

Perhaps one of the most important duties we have as leaders is to trust those we lead and serve. In doing so, we can inspire them to pass on this good work. In his book Trust and Inspire, Stephen M. R. Covey lays out three opportunities for our stewardship: modeling who we are, extending trust in how we lead, and connecting with our why.

Modeling Who We Are

True leaders are not chosen to lead by the Board of Directors and shareholders, Covey shares. True leaders are chosen by their teammates based on the respect they have earned, the results they have achieved, and the confidence that the team will win with that leader in place. Chosen leaders reject the command and control style of leadership and model two key characteristics: humility and courage.

It takes courage to be humble because it involves letting others see the real us. Yet through showing our authentic selves, even our vulnerabilities, we can inspire others to follow suit, leading to a higher performing team. Humility and courage are the parents of authenticity. Together they inspire others to do as we do.

Extending Trust in How We Lead

Most people, no matter how trustworthy they are, truly struggle with the ability and skill of extending trust, Covey observes. However, he advises that extending trust is a better way to live in all walks of life — it builds confidence in others, unleashes human potential, and builds a culture with energy and joy. Research shows that people who are trusting are happier, healthier, and live longer.

In a culture of trust, people rise to the occasion and perform better, develop new capabilities, and reciprocate and return the trust. In economic development, our work is fueled by trusted partnerships and collaborations. Communities that have a competitive advantage are those where economic development partners are operating at the speed of trust.

Connecting With Our Why

Covey believes that regardless of our role or who we report to, each one of us is a leader with an opportunity to inspire those around us. People are inspired when they feel like we truly see them and when they feel connected to purpose, meaning, and contribution — to why the work matters.

To help people meaningfully connect with their why, we must first connect with our own why. Covey recommends we reflect on questions such as: What matters to me? What makes me want to get up in the morning? What do I do at work that brings me a sense of meaning and purpose? What is my why?

Closing Thoughts

Covey calls on all leaders to adopt a trust and inspire approach and lays the case for why this approach leads to happier lives for all involved. When leaders do this, in the words of Covey, they move from being successful to significant when it comes to making a difference. Talk about a meaningful life!

About This Article

Economic development leaders are true change agents for the world around them. This article is part of IEDC's ongoing series on Leadership in Economic Development.

This article first appeared in Economic Development Now, a publication by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), in October 2023 and appears here with permission. Special thanks to IEDC's former managing editor Melanie Hwang for her partnership in producing this article.

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