The other day, I heard some advice: “You can’t trust people. People will always burn you, so you have to lower your expectations.” But how true is this?
Personally, I strongly disagree with this idea. I truly care about people and love people. I love working with people, coaching them, and seeing a lightbulb moment when they have a breakthrough. And I think that as business owners and leaders, there’s one approach that will almost guarantee failure: leading with distrust.
In this post, I’ll break down why this mindset doesn’t work, how it stunts your business growth, and what to do instead to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
The Problem with Distrust
Many leaders have heard the same advice: “You can’t trust people. They’ll burn you every time. Keep your expectations low, and you’ll succeed.”
This toxic approach creates a culture of fear and disengagement. Yes, people make mistakes, and yes, some may disappoint you, but leading with distrust poisons your organization. It stunts growth, damages morale, and creates an environment where no one feels safe or valued.
Using a People-First Approach Instead
To lead effectively in today’s world, you need to flip the script and adopt a people-first approach. Let’s talk about four essential strategies for doing just that.
1. Start with Self-Reflection
Great leadership begins with personal growth. Are you showing up as your best self? If not, it’s time to check in:
- Are you clear about your goals and vision?
- Are you transparent with your team, even when things aren’t perfect?
- Are you actively investing in your own growth so you can inspire others?
When you prioritize your development, it sets the tone for your team to do the same.
2. Don’t Let the Industry Define You
In retail, restaurants, or corporate America, you’ll hear complaints about how “hard” it is to find and keep good people. But don’t let those narratives define your leadership style.
Instead, draw inspiration from outside your industry. Look at what top-performing companies are doing to engage and develop their employees. Ask yourself how you can adopt and adapt their practices to fit your business.
3. Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries
One of the most common leadership pitfalls is failing to communicate clear expectations. Whether you’re hiring or trying to develop an existing team member, clarity is key:
- Define the role and its responsibilities
- Align the individual’s strengths with the needs of the business
- Provide ongoing opportunities for growth and development
Remember, people can’t succeed in a role if they don’t fully understand what’s expected of them.
4. Trust Your Gut
If someone isn’t the right fit for your team—even if they’re delivering results—it’s okay to let them go. A toxic environment created by one person can undermine the entire culture you’re trying to build.
Trust your instincts and make the tough calls when necessary. Prioritizing your team’s well-being and alignment with your business goals will always pay off in the long run.
Leading with Trust and Connection
At the heart of great leadership is one simple truth: People matter.
When you focus on developing, inspiring, and connecting with your team, you create an environment where everyone can thrive. Instead of operating from a place of fear or distrust, embrace the joy of helping others step into their greatness.
Leadership isn’t just about hitting numbers or checking boxes—it’s about building deeper connections with your team and aligning their strengths with your business vision.
Let’s lead with trust, inspire growth, and build something remarkable.
Resources Mentioned
💻 Schedule a Virtual Coffee with Theresa
📝 Uncover Your Biggest Blindspots with the Entrepreneur Quiz
H3: Related Episodes
3 Strategies to Future – Proof Your Main Street Business
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Small Steps, Big Impact: How Small Business Leaders Can Change the World
