Trust: The True Story of The Heart of Leadership
彭子宸 Anne Phey
Strategic Advisor & Speaker | Top Leadership Voice | Amazon #1 Author | 50+ Awards - Innovation Leader, Asia Woman Leader | Ex-C-Suite IBM MTV Asia | Top Executive Coaching Company with Training & ICF Coach Certification
Trust – A Lesson from History in Chinese Leadership
When trust is such a fundamentally important aspect of leadership, I felt that it needs further sharing, so that we can truly grasp what it is.
Trust is defined by Webster Dictionary as "the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone". It could be a confidence or responsibility.
So I searched beyond our usual MBA literature to find real incidences that we can relate to. I turned to history and found the most beautiful explanation and story.
Trust is Multi-faceted And Profound
In Chinese, trust is profound:
Trust demonstrated by A Chinese Warlord and Leader Liu Bei
A powerful example of trust in leadership comes from the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). Liu Bei, a warlord, famously earned the trust of his followers by living modestly, honoring promises, and showing deep care for his people.
During one campaign, Liu Bei and his forces were surrounded by enemies. Amidst the chaos, he realized his infant son had been left behind in the retreat. Desperate and vulnerable, Liu Bei entrusted his general, Zhao Yun, to rescue his child and protect the family. For any leader, such an act would have been unthinkable without immense trust in the general’s loyalty, courage, and capability.
Zhao Yun did not disappoint. Carrying the child in one arm and wielding his spear with the other, he fought through waves of enemies, risking his own life to fulfill his leader’s request. His actions were more than heroic—they symbolized the depth of trust Liu Bei had cultivated. That trust fueled Zhao Yun’s determination, inspiring an extraordinary act of valor that became a legend.
Liu Bei’s leadership wasn’t about commanding fear; it was about inspiring devotion. His humility, empathy, and commitment to his people created a culture of trust so strong that his followers would go to extraordinary lengths for him.
How Can We Build Liu Bei’s Kind of Trust?
"Trust is not demanded; it is earned through actions, every single day." Anne Phey
How do you build trust that inspires unwavering loyalty? Share your stories!
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🤖 A.I. Sales Futurist Helping Teams Increase Conversions | 🏆 Award-Winning Realtor | 🎤 Speaker on Sales Innovation & A.I. Trends
2wLove how you connected trust to the story of 刘备 —it makes the concept feel so much more real and relatable. 🙌 Totally agree that trust is the foundation for everything in leadership. When it’s broken, everything else crumbles. Using the Chinese perspective on trust just adds such a powerful layer to this idea! 🔥
Lead GTM Engineer @ SalesCaptain | GTM Architect | Personal Brand Innovation | Low-code Automation | Data Synergy
2wTrust is the key to inspiring loyalty 👏
I enable trainers to ⭐ Close more clients ⭐ Do bigger deals ⭐ Charge premium rates ⭐ Drop low-paid work ⭐ Build a team ⭐ Reduce hours ⭐ Lower stress levels ⭐ Create the lifestyle they deserve ⭐ Ask me how!
2wThe leadership principles from ancient Chinese history resonate remarkably well in today's business context - demonstrating how fundamental trust and loyalty are to effective leadership across the centuries. The story of Liu Bei shows how authentic leadership behaviours create lasting impact far beyond any temporary strategic advantages.
Empowering Global Leaders & Visionaries to Unlock Their Highest Potential: Achieve Quantum Success in Life & Business | Mentor & Speaker | Master Healer | Podcast Host | Guiding You with Divine Wisdom & Practical Tools
2wAnne, the story of Liu Bei beautifully illustrates the profound depth of trust in leadership. The nuances of trust in Chinese - action, reliability, and inspiration - highlight how it’s built layer by layer through consistent behaviour. How do you see leaders today balancing humility and action to inspire that same unwavering loyalty?
Owner of TaxAssist Advisors | Tax Strategist & Real Estate Agent | Helping Realtors Maximize Their Income Through Proactive Tax Planning
2wTrust really is the foundation of everything. I love how you brought in that story...such a great example of building loyalty and leadership.