The Power of Trust for Transformation
In the second course of the Transformational Leadership Series, explore how trust forms the cornerstone of effective collaboration and diplomacy. This course unpacks the principles of trust: character, competence, transparency, and accountability, demonstrating how values-based communication builds durable relationships.
What you will learn
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Understand how transparency, empathy, and accountability are critical components of trustworthy communication.
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Articulate the role of empathy in coalition-building and examine opportunities for consensus amidst perceived conflict.
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Outline the essential principles of trust, and learn how trust impacts organizational success.
Course content
Building Character
Trust is a foundational element of leadership, influencing communication, collaboration, and decision-making. Explore the principles of trust, emphasizing the roles of character, competence, and reputational capital in fostering effective leadership.
Building Trust Through Communication
Effective communication is key to building and sustaining trust within teams. Leaders will discover strategies for reducing ambiguity, aligning expectations, and fostering open dialogue to strengthen trust.
Building a Coalition of Trusted Partners
Collaboration thrives on active listening and empathy, which are essential for building trust-based coalitions. Leaders will learn to leverage trust as a foundation for achieving shared goals amidst complexity.
Your Course Director
Abigaile VanHorn
Dr. Abigaile VanHorn is the Vice-President of Learning & Development for Acorn Leadership Institute. She attended Purdue University, where she completed her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in political behavior and institutions. She taught Political Science and Leadership, Ethics, and Values at the college level for over 10 years while contributing to the fields of teaching and learning as well as women and politics before shifting her focus to the study and practice of team development, mentoring, and leadership.
Abby joined the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute (of which Acorn is a wholly-owned subsidiary) in 2019 as the Director of Curriculum Development. Throughout her work, she aims to successfully integrate qualitative and quantitative research methods to help uncover challenges, understand the story behind the data, and find innovative solutions. This approach has allowed her team to craft award-winning curriculum and learning resources for higher education and corporate clients alike. Her vocational passion lies in creating tailored approaches to strengths-based leadership development and helping organizations build high-performing teams.