Spotting the Trust Gap Before It Slows Down Your Team

Many leaders assume they are trusted because they have good intentions and that they are entitled to trust because of the title they bear, as if a title comes with trust built-in. But trust is not based on intent. It is based on how consistently that intent is translated into action.

The trust gap is the space between what leaders believe they are building and what their teams actually experience. It often shows up in ways that are easy to miss. Meetings are quiet. Ownership is thin. Execution feels slower than it should be.

Marlin puts it this way: “Intentions do not build trust. Behavior does. Teams respond to what you model, not what you meant.”

This gap is rarely caused by one major issue. More often, it is the result of small breakdowns in how leaders show credibility, reliability, or intent. Each missed follow-through or unclear message subtly weakens confidence.

Credibility comes from competence and clarity. Consistent delivery equals repeated follow through and reliability comes from doing what you say you will do. Intent is demonstrated when leaders act in service of the team, not themselves. When these three signals are aligned, trust deepens.

Leaders who close the trust gap do not wait for breakdowns. They look for early signals. Do people hesitate to speak up? Are decisions being revisited? Is there friction around accountability? These are not minor issues. They are indicators of trust that need reinforcement.

Rebuilding trust is possible. It starts by acknowledging the gap, observing behavior without judgment, and shifting from intent-based leadership to action-based leadership. Over time, these shifts build cultures where performance and trust rise together.

In high-performing environments, trust is not assumed. It is designed. And it is maintained through every leadership interaction.

Fast Track Trust™ by MKL Business Consulting equips leadership teams with the tools to close the trust gap and strengthen execution. Through a structured, behavior-based approach, leaders build credibility, reinforce reliability, and lead with intent. Book your discovery call today to explore how this system can support your team.