What is one essential way Army leaders build trust?

Building trust is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership in the Army and is vital for unit cohesion and mission success. Honesty and dependability create a strong foundation for trust between leaders and their subordinates. When leaders are honest, they communicate openly about expectations, intentions, and the state of operations, which fosters an environment where team members feel safe to express concerns and share ideas.

Dependability means that subordinates can rely on their leaders to follow through on commitments, maintain integrity in their actions, and support their team through challenges. This consistency in behavior reassures team members that their leader has their best interests at heart, further reinforcing the trust within the ranks.

While being persuasive, authoritative, or popular may have their own merits in certain contexts, they do not inherently establish the deep, meaningful trust that is required for effective leadership. Trust built on honesty and dependability is far more enduring and valuable in fostering a cohesive and motivated team, aligning with the Army's core values and leadership principles.