Before exploring solutions, it’s worth acknowledging what’s at stake. When trust remains broken at senior levels, the costs are substantial:
- Declining psychological safety across the organization
- Reduced innovation as risk-taking diminishes
- Information hoarding rather than transparent communication
- Increased political behavior and defensive positioning
- Talent departure, particularly among high performers
Research indicates that organizations with trust issues experience up to 50% higher turnover among high-performers, who typically have greater options to leave environments where they don’t feel psychologically safe.
Dr J Stewart
Dr Jeanine Stewart, PhD is a neuroscientist, executive coach and seasoned executive who advises leaders of government, health care, education, and Fortune 500 organizations.