Creativity & Leadership: Building Trust, Solving Problems, and Embracing Growth
This was a presentation for the VOUS College Leadership students.
Recently, we explored the principles of leadership through the lens of the book Creativity, Inc.—and it sparked some incredible insights into the power of trust, vulnerability, and culture.
Why Trust Matters in Leadership
One of the key lessons I learned is that trust is the foundation of any successful team or project. Without it, insecurity creeps in, leading to fear, misunderstanding, and disengagement. When trust is strong, people feel confident enough to speak their minds, share ideas, and collaborate openly.
How Is Trust Built?
Trust isn’t instantaneous—it’s built over time through consistent behavior, effective communication, and mutual respect. Here are some simple questions every leader should ask:
• Can I trust you? Can you trust me?
• Am I confident in you? Are you confident in me?
Trust also empowers people to lead confidently and to solve problems collaboratively. It’s the glue that holds great teams together.
10 Principles for Building Trust
To foster trust in your team, I’ve identified 10 actionable principles:
Prioritize Friendship: Build meaningful connections beyond work.
Value Proximity: Spend time together to deepen relationships.
Embrace Honesty: Be open, transparent, and authentic in communication.
Develop Vision: Share a clear vision that inspires and unites the team.
Apologize Quickly: Don’t let ego block progress—acknowledge mistakes and move forward.
Be Vulnerable: Share your struggles to foster connection.
Win Together: Celebrate victories as a team.
Share Struggles: Create a safe space for collaboration during tough times.
Recognize Weaknesses: Acknowledge where you need help and empower others to step in.
Advocate For Them: Be a champion for your team members’ growth and success.
Each principle reinforces the idea that leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about taking care of those in your charge.
Culture as a Tool for Problem Solving
A strong culture doesn’t eliminate problems—it helps you solve them. Pixar’s culture, as described in Creativity, Inc., is built on the idea that “good ideas can come from anywhere.” But here’s the catch: for that culture to thrive, people must feel safe speaking their minds.
Key Takeaway
The belief that your voice matters informs your behavior. As leaders, it’s our job to create an environment where people genuinely feel they can contribute.
Applying These Lessons
Here are three steps you can take to start building trust and fostering creativity in your team:
1. Define: Who in your team or network do you need to build trust with?
2. Commit: What steps will you take to build that trust?
3. Act: Select three of the principles above and apply them this week.
Inspiration to Keep Growing
Leadership is as much about personal growth as it is about guiding others. The way you lead reflects how you live. By embracing vulnerability, honesty, and connection, you can not only strengthen your leadership skills but also create a ripple effect of creativity and collaboration within your team.
As Simon Sinek puts it: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
Ready to take the next step? Start with trust, and the rest will follow.
Free pdf presentation for Creativity & Leadership: Building Trust, Solving Problems, and Embracing Growth
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