Monday Madness
Monday Madness: Trust Builds the Village
“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”— African Proverb
Good Morning, Leaders,
Who in your “village” needs to know they matter?
As we move deeper into September and toward the fourth quarter, many organizations are focused on results:
finish strong, meet the numbers, hit the goals.
Before asking people for more, perhaps leaders should ask a different question:
Have we created an environment where people TRUST enough to give us their best?
In organizational life, this proverb is not only about children. It is about people, teams, workplaces, and communities.
When people don’t feel seen, heard, valued, or safe enough to contribute authentically, the consequences may show up as silence, withdrawal, resistance, disengagement—or departure.
Research continues to reinforce the connection:
The American Psychological Association reports that employees experiencing greater psychological safety are more likely to report belonging and feeling comfortable being themselves at work.
Gallup’s research similarly points to trust, connection, respect, and leadership as important factors in how employees navigate organizational change. (American Psychological Association)
From a coaching perspective, trust is cultivated—not commanded:
ICF’s Cultivates Trust and Safety competency reminds us of the importance of creating environments where people can share freely, where their perspectives and contributions are respected, and where mutual trust can develop. (ICF)
Pause and Reflect:
• Where might someone on your team be asking to be heard without actually saying the words?
• Whose perspective may be missing from the conversations where decisions are being made?
• What are your behaviors teaching people about whether it is safe to speak honestly?
• As you enter Q4, what could become possible if your team experienced greater trust—not simply greater pressure?
For your team this week:
Ask one question and resist the urge to immediately provide the answer:
“What would help you feel more supported, trusted, and able to do your best work right now?”
Then listen—not to respond, defend, explain, or fix. Listen to understand.
Building the village isn’t about making everyone think alike. It’s about creating enough trust for people to belong, contribute, challenge, grow, and succeed together.
In a world where division can come easily, choose to be the leader who creates connection.
Trust builds the village—and the village builds what no leader can build alone.
You got this!
Coach Tavia, PCC, MEd, MAT
References:
International Coaching Federation — Criteria for Assessing PCC Credential: Cultivates Trust and SafetyICF: PCC Credential & Trust and Safety
American Psychological Association — A Sense of Belonging Is Crucial for EmployeesAPA: Fostering Connection and Social Support at Work
Gallup — What 2025 Federal Reforms Did to Worker EngagementGallup: Trust, Culture and Leadership During Change
Harvard Business Review — How to Foster Psychological Safety When AI Erodes Trust on Your TeamHBR: Psychological Safety and Trust
#Leadership #Trust #PsychologicalSafety #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #Belonging #ICFCoaching #MondayMadness
Tavia Robinson
EMPOWER COACHING & CONSULTING, LLC
732.743.5012
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