How Great Leaders Think: Simple Steps to Build Trust and a Strong Team Culture

By Dorian Cunion and Suzzanne Currier

Being a great leader doesn't just happen; it takes planning and effort. Top business leaders know that for their organization to be successful, they have to build a strong organizational culture and invest in developing talent. 

Members of the local Virginia chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), recently had the opportunity to attend an Executive Leadership Series lunch at Regent University, where ICF Virginia was also a sponsor.

Great Leaders Inspire Other Leaders

“The Executive Leadership Series exists to inspire business leaders and build community,” explained Regent University Chancellor Gordon Robertson. “Through these distinctive events, we seek to provide a gathering place where Hampton Roads’ most respected leaders gain world-class insights from leading experts, combined with exclusive networking opportunities.” 

ICF Virginia is a sponsor of the Executive Leadership Series because it is “an investment in leadership development for Hampton Roads, to empower networking, as well as to create more awareness of the value of coaching to grow leaders, which our membership provides.” Says Suzanne Currier, PCC president of ICF Virginia.

During lunch, a leadership panel of top Hampton Roads business leaders shared insights and lessons on leading a successful organization. The panel included Robert Aston Jr. (CEO, TowneBank), Michael Creedon, Jr. (CEO, Dollar Tree), Dennis Matheis (CEO, Sentara), Edith White (CEO. Hampton Roads Community Action Program), and Gordon Robertson (CEO, Christian Broadcast Network). Hon. Robert MacDonald facilitated the panel.

We've broken down what we learned at this event into actionable tactics leaders can implement immediately to drive higher levels of employee engagement, trust, and business growth.

1. Trust and Being Real Are Key

Great team performance is built on strong trust. If people don't trust the leadership, plans fall apart and teamwork stops.

• It Starts with Trust (Robert Aston Jr.): The most important job of a leader is to build trust. This means you must be reliable, reachable, and responsible (Edith White). 

• Being Real (Authentic) is Crucial (Michael Creedon): Leaders must first know their values and then always act based on those values. When you are authentic, people know what to expect, and trust is easy to build. 

2. Lead by Serving Your Team

Exceptional leadership means changing your mindset: stop just managing tasks and start serving the people who do the work.

• You Work for Your Employees (Dennis Matheis): A leader’s job is to remove problems and provide tools so the team can do their jobs well. As a leader, you are there to support the people who work for the customer.

• Invest in Careers, Not Just Jobs (Michael Creedon): True leadership helps team members achieve their life goals (Robert Aston Jr.). This strong commitment builds loyalty and helps retain great people, thereby directly improving team culture.

3. Plan the Future and Learn from Mistakes

One of a leader's jobs is to envision the company's future. This takes focused time and a thoughtful approach to risk.

• Vision Needs Planning Time (Gordon Robertson): A leader’s time should be spent thinking about the future, not managing today’s problems. You must make time just for strategic thought and planning.

• Make it Okay to Fail (Gordon Robertson): Leaders must create a place where it is safe to fail and mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn. This means leadership needs to take risks and learn quickly (Dennis Matheis).

4. Invest in Growth and Fun Surprises

To create a loyal, high-performing team, you need to invest in your people’s growth and well-being every day.

• The Power of the Unexpected (Robert Aston Jr.): What special things are you doing for your team that they don't expect? These thoughtful gestures build deep loyalty.

• Provide Practical Help and Chances to Grow (Edith White): Leadership is teaching. It is the job of current leaders to provide both practical advice and formal leadership training to people just starting.

Coaching: A Path to Your Leadership Style

Having a winning culture starts with a clear, authentic way of leading. These local Virginia leaders provided practical guidance to help leaders evolve, learn, and grow. If you are an executive or emerging leader who is looking to craft your own leadership style, consider working with an ICF coach. The ICF credentialed coaches pledge to abide by a code of ethics, have undergone extensive training and mentorship, and are here to help you tap into your potential. Learn more by visiting our website.