6.The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the foundation of Leadership.

Point of the Principle

The Law of Solid Ground is about having a foundation of trust, a necessary element

of leadership.

Leaders Who Did Not Live Out the Law

During the Vietnam War, the leaders of the United States handled the situation very

badly. President Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara broke the

Law of Solid Ground by being dishonest to the American People. This led to a season

of mistrust and the destruction of their political careers and their reputations as

leaders.

Pointers for Practice

Trust is earned and maintained by:

1. The leader's history of success

2. The leader's competence, connection and character

3. The leader's ability to face up to a mistake

4. The leader's ability to put what is best for the followers and the organization

ahead of personal agenda.