Trust is the foundation of leadership. It’s built not in grand moments, but in small, everyday conversations—especially the ones we don’t see coming.

A team member asks for a project update. A senior leader challenges your plan. A client brings up an objection mid-pitch. What you say next—and how you say it—can either strengthen trust or quietly unravel it.

The silent trust killer: when leaders fumble, deflect, or ramble when asked a question on the spot. In these moments, the impact goes beyond the words—it strikes at the heart of credibility.

Why It Matters: The Trust Equation in Action

David Maister’s Trust Equation offers a powerful lens to understand this:

• Credibility – Are you seen as competent and clear?
• Reliability – Do you respond consistently and calmly?
• Intimacy – Can others be open with you, or do you create distance?
• Self-orientation – Do you focus on others, or are always protecting yourself?

A poor on-the-spot response can erode all four—sounding unsure can undermine credibility, dodging a question can damage reliability, and nervous over-talking can raise self-orientation.

Trust is built in small moments, and lost just as quickly.

A Practical Tool: Think on Your Feet®

Leaders don’t need to have all the answers—but they must be able to respond with clarity and composure.

That’s where Think on Your Feet® comes in. This globally acclaimed communication programme gives professionals simple, practical techniques to:

• Organise thoughts quickly and clearly
• Respond confidently, even under pressure
• Use structured messaging to stay focused and credible

The result? Fewer fumbles. Stronger presence. And a more trustworthy leadership voice.

Even a response like “I don’t have that answer right now, but here’s what I do know…” can convey confidence, reliability, and transparency.

Moving Forward: Build Trust, One Conversation at a Time

Want to experience these tools in action?

Join us for a mini-experience of Think on Your Feet® in Petaling Jaya:

📍 Date: Tuesday, 10 Sept 2025

🕣 Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

📌 Venue: Armada Hotel Petaling Jaya

💳 Fee: Complimentary

🥐 Light breakfast served

🎟️ Reserve your seat

Every interaction is a chance to build—or break—trust. Choose wisely.

To bring a fresh approach to leadership in Singapore, reach out to us for leadership development training programs, EQ workshops for leaders, and better conversation skills workshops — all designed to help leaders thrive in real moments that matter.