THIS Leader Podcast Â
Episode 57: Organizational Trust: What Leaders Need to KnowÂ
March 10, 2025
Â
If you feel that Sunday night dread (you know the one – that low-grade knot in your stomach when you think about the week ahead)Â
It might be rooted in more than just too much work. It might be stemming from an organizational trust problem. In this episode, Claire breaks down what organizational low trust looks and feels like, what it's costing your team, and — most importantly — three concrete strategies you can start using right now to rebuild it.
Listen Now
Listen Now
Low organizational trust is one of the most common — and most costly — challenges leaders face today. Gallup research shows that only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work, and trust is at the heart of that crisis. As Stephen M.R. Covey describes it, low trust functions like a "trust tax" — every decision, every communication, every project costs more time, more energy, and more resources than it should.
In this episode, Claire helps you see the trust deficit for what it really is, and gives you three practical strategies to address it head-on.
"Trust is not a soft skill. It is not a nice-to-have. It is not a 'we'll get to it someday when things calm down' item on your list. It is the foundation underneath everything your team is trying to do."
Welcome to Episode 57:Â Organizational Trust: What Leaders Need to Know
Subscribe for weekly inspiration
Get it delivered right to your inbox!
Enter your name and email below and you'll get the inside scoop when we release a new episode on the podcast plus weekly leadership inspiration. We know you're not one to miss out on a good thing!
ClaireLaughlin.com needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at anytime. See our privacy policy for terms and conditions and to learn how we protect your data.
About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
Listen Now
Let's keep the party going!
We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Episode #55: Rethinking How We Lead, Listen, and Connect with Erika Leonard
I sit down with Erika Leonard, co-leader of the WorkPower Project at SafetyPowers.org, to explore how the same communication skills that keep people safe also build thriving, inclusive workplaces. If you've ever wondered whether you're truly seeing the people on your team — this conversation will challenge and inspire you.
Episode #56:Â Navigating Low Trust Relationships
You've rewritten that email four times — and deep down, you know the problem isn't the email... it's the person you're sending it to! In this episode, we're getting real about low trust in relationships: what it feels like, how it happens, and the one mindset shift that can change everything. Because the path forward doesn't start with the other person — it starts with you.
