In my opinion, philosopher Niklas Luhmann aptly describes the mechanics behind trust: a person gives a kind of "credit" based on past experiences. In doing so, they offer the opportunity to shape a shared future. This person assumes that the other will not abuse their freedom to harm them. From the moment they trust, they refrain from seeking further information about the other person. In doing so, they reduce complexity and create clarity. This makes life easier.
"Loss of trust is a problem" – we hear statements like this more and more often.
And at the same time, they invoke the good old days: "Back then, you could still leader your leader !" Was that really the case? I don't know. But I notice how much uncertainty there is about the issue. Not only among politicians, but also among many executives. Communication is dominated by vague formulations: numerous subjunctive forms, relativizing language patterns, and cumbersome passive constructions illustrate how uncertainty has crept into our statements. This is a clear sign of how little responsibility speaker wants to take.
Would you like an example? I quote our Federal Minister of the Interior, Thomas de Maizière: "Some of these answers would unsettle the population."An uncertain statement in already uncertain times. This clearly shows where the loss of trust comes from. Because it is precisely in times of uncertainty that our need for trust increases.
Leadership requires trust
Leadership is only possible when there is trust. Otherwise, it is obedience or, in the worst case, fear. Clarity is an essential element of this trust. People long for clarity! It is much easier to endure clarity than to fish in murky waters.
So fight to call things by their name. Create more clarity! Reduce the number of words you use—less is more. Refuse to comment on topics you haven't thought through. Free yourself from the addiction to harmony. Because that is precisely what leads to the use of all these softening phrases, hinders open communication, and leads to conflicts.
Reduction and active, responsibility-driven language, on the other hand, lead to clarity and trust. And where we trust, we can name things as they really are, deal with them, and solve problems and conflicts.
That's why you're not really happy.
Why success and fulfillment have nothing to do with each other.
