Building Trust:
The Cornerstone of Impactful Leadership

Steve Weiss, ACC
Transformational Leadership Academy

In 2001, Ralph Gilles, head of Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studio, stepped into a leadership role amidst low morale and immense pressure. Instead of asserting authority or focusing solely on strategies, Gilles prioritized personal connections, hearing every team member’s ideas and working alongside them to create a new culture of collaboration. This simple yet transformative approach produced award-winning designs like the Chrysler 300, revitalized the company’s brand, and cemented employees’ trust in Gilles.

This anecdote serves as a reminder that trust isn’t achieved through policies or mandates; it’s cultivated through authenticity, empathy, and respect. At its core, trust is what separates mediocre managers from impactful leaders. This concept is especially relevant for leaders in the culinary industry, where collaboration, creativity, and high-pressure environments demand genuine trust to thrive. Below, we explore trust-building strategies through an advanced lens, supplemented by culinary leadership insights.

The Ripple Effect of Trust in Leadership

In any industry, trust creates psychological safety—encouraging individuals to speak up, take risks, and connect deeply with the work at hand. For culinary leaders, the significance of trust is even more pronounced. A trusting kitchen reduces errors, fosters clear communication, and enables employees to innovate on plates and processes in fast-paced environments.

Amy Edmondson's concept of psychological safety highlights that trust amplifies team success even in high-stress situations. For a chef, establishing this safety means guaranteeing junior cooks or sous chefs the freedom to improve recipes or refine techniques without reprisal. Whether in a Michelin-star restaurant or a community kitchen, trust ensures every hand contributes wholeheartedly, elevating both the food and the workplace culture.

How Leaders Can Build Trust: Beyond the Basics

1. Share Vulnerability to Create Authentic Connections

Leaders often feel compelled to maintain an image of perfection, but sharing vulnerability fosters authentic relationships. This holds true in kitchens, where a head chef admitting a missed step or failed experiment can inspire the team to embrace their growth mindset.

For example, Alan Mulally’s honest admission of challenges during Ford’s turnaround showed his employees that acknowledging weaknesses isn’t only acceptable—it’s necessary for progress. For culinary leaders, admitting a mistake with seasoning or plating can relieve some of the hierarchical tension that often exists in the kitchen. This honesty creates a more collaborative and creative space for culinary innovation.

Insight for Culinary Leadership:

Trust thrives in kitchens where the head chef doesn’t shield their imperfections but uses them as teachable moments for the team. For instance, sharing a story about a dish that went wrong—and how it became improved—can encourage young chefs to push boundaries without fearing criticism.

2. Actively Seek Unpopular Opinions

Cultivating trust sometimes means inviting dissenting voices to the table. Abraham Lincoln famously built his “team of rivals” by including individuals with opposing viewpoints, ensuring balanced and transparent decision-making. Culinary leadership can embrace a similar philosophy by encouraging team members to critique recipes or workflows.

For instance, a sous chef might propose a different technique for preparing a signature dish. While it may initially challenge the status quo, their insight could reveal opportunities for improvement and innovation. Inviting this level of collaboration signals trust in their expertise and judgment.

Insight for Culinary Leadership:

Host regular kitchen debriefs after service where every chef can propose changes—whether to plating, ingredients, or workflows. These critiques not only improve operations but also show culinary teams their voices are heard and valued.

3. Celebrate Failures Publicly

Rather than punishing failure, celebrating honest mistakes can help teams embrace calculated risks. Google X famously rewards teams for innovative ideas that fail, enabling sustained trust in the company’s dedication to fostering creativity. A culinary leader might likewise celebrate moments of experimentation—even if they don't yield perfect results.

For example, a pastry chef testing a new dessert concept that doesn’t hit the mark should receive recognition for their effort and willingness to innovate. This encourages others to step forward with new ideas without fearing ridicule, ultimately fostering culinary creativity.

Insight for Culinary Leadership:

Have monthly “innovation sessions” in the kitchen to test new flavors, ingredients, or dish ideas. Celebrate the bold risks—even the ones that don’t make it to the menu—as contributions to the restaurant’s growth.

4. Build Credibility Through Small Acts

While grand gestures matter, trust is built incrementally, often through small, consistent acts of reliability. For culinary leaders, this could mean mentoring junior chefs one-on-one or lending a hand with prep during busy service hours.

Rose Marcario, former CEO of Patagonia, demonstrated this principle by writing personal thank-you notes to employees across all levels of her organization. Culinary leaders can similarly create meaningful connections by acknowledging hard work and dedication. For instance, a chef recognizing the contributions of a line cook who went above and beyond during a hectic Saturday night rush can reinforce trust within the team.

Insight for Culinary Leadership:

Daily acts of kindness—whether it’s offering personalized feedback or praising impeccable knife work—build trust between kitchen leaders and their teams, ensuring everyone feels valued for their contribution.

Uncommon Anecdotes: Building Trust in Crisis

Building trust during crises reveals the true strength of leadership. In kitchens, this scenario often arises during unexpected demands or challenging reviews.

One example comes from Grant Achatz, chef and co-owner of Alinea in Chicago. Facing his battle with tongue cancer—a condition threatening his very ability to taste—Achatz decided to trust his kitchen team unconditionally to uphold Alinea’s high standards. Collaborating closely, his employees not only maintained the restaurant’s reputation but also expanded its creativity, proving that trust in others during hardship can yield transformative results.

Insight for Culinary Leadership:

In times of adversity—such as staff shortages or sudden menu changes—openly valuing your team’s contributions and trusting them with key responsibilities demonstrates your resilience as a leader and strengthens their loyalty.

Practical Daily Habits to Build Culinary Trust

Trust must be woven into everyday operations, especially in kitchens that balance high stress with creativity. Here are practical habits:

• Daily Pre-Service Check-Ins: Use pre-shift meetings to personally connect with your culinary team, sharing gratitude and challenges openly.

• Test and Learn Together: Collaborate on new dishes in a non-hierarchical way, blending ideas from all members without favoritism.

• Empower Experimentation: Encourage chefs to adjust recipes or techniques, trusting their instincts rather than micromanaging the process.

• Public Recognition: At the end of service, briefly call out outstanding work, whether it’s a perfectly cooked steak or creative garnish.

Conclusion: Culinary Leadership Rooted in Trust

In kitchens, where passion meets pressure, trust is the difference between artistic plate execution and operational chaos. Culinary leaders can build this trust by fostering open communication, supporting innovation, and consistently showing reliability—even during breakdowns.

Like Ralph Gilles revitalizing Chrysler or Grant Achatz trusting his team through adversity, culinary leaders who prioritize trust will cultivate employees who not only respect their leadership but thrive alongside them. Trust isn’t just the cornerstone of impactful leadership—it’s the soul of a thriving kitchen.