Trust Is Built in the Small Moments
Trust isn’t built in one big moment.
Trust is built in the daily choices that either strengthen or strain the relationship between a First Chair and a Second Chair.
The most effective Second Chairs don’t just manage tasks; they cultivate trust every day. And trust isn’t about avoiding mistakes. It’s about proving, over time, that you’re reliable, aligned, and committed to the mission.
Trust grows in the ordinary. It’s not found in dramatic gestures or heroic rescues but in the quiet consistency of showing up and following through.
Here’s how trust is built:
Key Points:
- Follow Through, Always: Do what you said you’d do, when you said you’d do it.
- Communicate Before You Have To: Don’t make your First Chair chase you for updates.
- Own Your Mistakes Quickly: Accountability builds credibility faster than perfection ever could.
Ask Yourself:
If you’re a Second Chair:
- Have I followed through on everything I promised this week?
- Did I proactively update my First Chair, or did I make them chase me for answers?
- Where can I admit a mistake quickly and turn it into credibility instead of silence?
If you’re a First Chair:
- Am I creating enough space for my Second Chair to earn my trust through small, consistent actions?
- Where am I holding back responsibilities they could own?
Trust isn’t built in the spotlight. It’s built in the small moments, when no one else is looking, but everyone eventually feels the impact.
You’re not alone:
Download the Second Chair Clarity Guide, your tool to define and lead from your lane.
Or book a free Discovery Call and we’ll walk through your real-world leadership tensions together..
Two Chairs | One Mission
Where trust grows and leadership multiplies.
