Guest: Russel Lolacher | Host of Relationships at Work Podcast
Trust is the lifeblood of leadership. Without it, even the most talented leaders struggle to connect, inspire, or move people toward shared goals. With it, everything changes—conversations become easier, ideas surface more freely, and performance naturally rises.
On Working on Purpose, leadership advisor Russel Lolacher unpacked what he calls the seven roadblocks to trust—the hidden habits and blind spots that often derail even well-meaning leaders. His message is simple but powerful: trust isn’t automatic; it’s built intentionally, consistently, and through the courage to show up for your people.
Big Ideas
1. Define leadership where you work.
Leadership is not the same as management. Managers deliver outcomes and handle resources; leaders grow and support human beings. Both roles matter—but teams thrive when leadership is clearly defined, shared, and lived out daily.
2. Give the gift of time.
Recognition and resources matter, but your people crave something deeper: your time. Intentional, face-to-face moments—whether in walking 1:1s, quick check-ins, or meaningful conversations—are what build lasting connection.
3. Spot the seven roadblocks.
Russel highlights seven common ways leaders unknowingly erode trust:
- Negligence: “I’m too busy.”
- Abandonment: Quiet quitting leadership.
- Deceit: Misalignment between words and actions.
- Cowardice: Avoiding conflict.
- Apathy: Fixed mindset thinking.
- Confusion: Knowing better but not acting.
- Irresponsibility: Shifting blame instead of taking accountability.
By naming these barriers, leaders can begin dismantling them and replace them with behaviors that cultivate trust.
4. Trust compounds through consistency.
People don’t need grand gestures; they need to know you’ll show up. Align words with actions, be transparent, and invest in your team’s well-being. Over time, these simple practices create an unshakable foundation of trust.
Try This Week
- Audit your time. Block two 30-minute slots to connect intentionally with your team. Ask: What’s energizing you? What’s getting in your way? How can I help?
- Redefine leadership. Draft a one-paragraph definition of leadership for your team. Share it, invite edits, and adopt it together.
- Choose one roadblock. Identify the barrier you may be most guilty of and commit to a counter-behavior for two weeks.
Memorable Line
“The most important thing we can give our people is time—the gift of spending time with them.” — Russel Lolacher
💡Your Call to Action:
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👉 Join the conversation: Which of the seven roadblocks have you encountered in your own leadership journey, and how did you overcome it? Share your thoughts below!
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