From Skeptic to Servant Leader: The Courage to Trust Again

Trust Is the Doorway to Transformation

For many leaders, trust can be hard. In executive coaching, it’s not uncommon to meet clients who arrive guarded, skeptical, and unsure if the process will be worth their time or emotional energy.

One leader began his coaching journey stating bluntly, “I trust no one.” He admitted later that he didn’t know if leadership coaching was practical, useful, or even relevant. It wasn’t until he stayed with the discomfort and committed to the process that something transformational began to emerge. This is the essence of heart-centered leadership—showing up, even when trust feels impossible.

Coaching for Skeptical Leaders

When clients resist, it’s not always a sign that coaching is failing. It may be a sign that it's finally working. Emotional breakthroughs often follow resistance. Trust doesn’t get built through agreement—it’s formed in the messy, vulnerable space between doubt and discovery.

A Harvard Business Review article found that high-trust companies see 74% less stress, 50% higher productivity, and 106% more energy at work (Zak, 2017). And coaching is a tool that builds that trust from the inside out.

Measurable ROI of Coaching

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) reports that 86% of companies saw a return on investment from coaching programs. Key areas of growth included improved work performance, communication, team trust, and personal confidence.

The Takeaway

If you’re a leader struggling to build trust, don’t dismiss the discomfort. The growth you’re looking for might be buried just beneath the resistance. And if you’re a coach, keep chipping away with empathy. You're not fixing someone—you’re helping them rediscover purpose and meaning that may have gotten lost or clouded in the demands of doing the work. 

Ready to unlock more trust and growth? 

Visit my Coaching and Brave Leadership Mastermind pages to discover how I can help you build trust that transforms.