Stop Leading Like It's 2024: The Framework That Keeps 29% of Leaders Trusted

Remember when we thought hybrid working would be our biggest leadership challenge? Well, the latest research suggests we've got a much bigger problem on our hands.

According to DDI's Global Leadership Forecast 2025 (https://www.ddiworld.com/research/global-leadership-forecast-2025), trust in leadership has plummeted by 17 points - from 46% to a shocking 29%. Let that sink in. Over 70% of team members don't trust their leaders.

But here's the thing - this isn't just about numbers. Last week, during a coaching session with a CEO client, she shared a realisation that took her by surprise: "I realise I've been leading from fear for so long, I've forgotten how to connect authentically with my team."

This confession mirrors what Korn Ferry's "Top 5 Leadership Trends of 2025" (https://www.kornferry.com/insights/featured-topics/leadership/top-5-leadership-trends-2025) revealed: leaders are struggling with adaptability and authentic connection more than ever before. But why?

The Fear-Trust Paradox

When leaders operate from fear - fear of failure, fear of showing vulnerability, fear of losing control - they create environments where trust can't flourish. It's a vicious cycle that's becoming increasingly costly in our complex business landscape.

Breaking the Cycle with LACE

This is where the LACE Way framework becomes transformational:

Listening: Korn Ferry's research highlights that adaptive leadership starts with deep listening. Not the "waiting to speak" kind, but the type that creates psychological safety. Try this: in your next team meeting, count how many times you interrupt. You might be surprised.

Accountability: With trust at an all-time low, accountability has never been more crucial. But here's the twist - it starts with leaders. When was the last time you admitted a mistake to your team?

Collaboration: The 2025 studies show that hierarchical leadership is dead. Today's challenges require collective intelligence. Create spaces where every voice matters - especially the quiet ones.

Empathy: This isn't about being 'nice'. It's about understanding that fear-based leadership is costing us innovation, engagement, and results.

Practical Steps Forward

• Start your next meeting with a "fear check" - acknowledge what's creating anxiety in the room
• Practice the two-minute listening rule: give each team member uninterrupted time to share
• Replace "Why didn't you..." with "Help me understand..."
• Create regular spaces for authentic feedback - both ways

The Research Is Clear

Korn Ferry's findings show that leaders who embrace adaptability and authentic connection see:

• 40% higher team engagement
• 35% better innovation outcomes
• 28% improved talent retention

However, here's what really matters: when you shift from fear-based to love-based leadership, you create environments where trust can rebuild naturally.

Your Next Move

Choose one element of LACE to focus on this week. Start small, but start now. Because while the trust crisis is real, so is the opportunity to be part of the solution.

Remember: love-based leadership isn't soft - it's the hardest and most important work you'll do as a leader.

For more on LACE and Gen-Z, check out this blog from Simon - https://www.simonphillips.co.uk/blog/leading-with-love-the-genz-leadership-revolution