Trust in a Changing World: The Erosion of Confidence and the Role of Leadership in Restoring It

In today’s increasingly complex and interconnected world, trust is more critical than ever. However, the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report reveals a troubling trend: trust in institutions, leaders, the media, and politicians has been steadily eroding. This shift has profound implications for organisations, leaders, and the broader social fabric. As trust fades, so does confidence in the very systems that hold society together. So, what can leaders do to address this growing issue, and why is rebuilding trust vital for success in this new era?

The Erosion of Trust: A Growing Concern

The Edelman Trust Barometer’s 2025 findings paint a stark picture. Trust in government, business, and the media has reached historically low levels in many parts of the world. From political instability to the fragmentation of information, it’s clear that trust in traditional institutions is no longer a given.

Government and Political Leaders: 

Political leaders have seen a consistent decline in trust. Partisan divides, scandals, and ineffective responses to crises have only deepened the divide between those in power and the public they serve. A failure to address pressing issues such as inequality, climate change, and social justice has fueled skepticism toward governmental promises and actions.

Media: 

The trust placed in traditional media outlets has also waned significantly. In an era of “fake news” and information overload, people struggle to determine which sources are reliable. Media organisations face mounting pressure to compete for attention, sometimes sacrificing journalistic integrity for sensationalism.

Business and Leaders: 

While business leaders are often viewed with less skepticism than politicians or the media, they still face challenges in maintaining trust. With growing awareness of corporate misdeeds, greenwashing, and economic inequality, public faith in business practices is fragile. Employees, customers, and stakeholders are increasingly demanding transparency and ethical behaviour from organisations.

Why Trust Matters More Than Ever

The erosion of trust has far-reaching consequences. For leaders, organisations, and institutions, the consequences are clear: decreased cooperation, disengaged employees, dissatisfied customers, and ultimately, a diminished capacity to drive progress. Trust is the foundation on which sustainable growth is built. When trust falters, so too does the ability to innovate, collaborate, and lead effectively.

In the workplace, organisations that foster trust experience higher levels of employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Teams that trust their leaders and each other are more resilient, creative, and motivated. On the flip side, a lack of trust creates toxic environments, where individuals are hesitant to share ideas or take risks, stifling innovation and growth.

In society, the consequences of broken trust ripple outward, leading to disengagement and polarization. When citizens lose faith in government or media, they may disengage from civic life altogether, exacerbating social divides and hindering collective problem-solving efforts.

Rebuilding Trust: A Call to Action for Leaders

As we confront the challenges of our rapidly changing world, it is imperative that leaders step up to restore trust. But how can leaders build and maintain trust in this environment?

1. Lead with Transparency and Integrity

One of the key ways to rebuild trust is through transparency. Leaders must be open and honest about their decisions, intentions, and mistakes. Transparency fosters accountability, which in turn strengthens credibility. This means openly communicating with employees, customers, and stakeholders—acknowledging challenges, celebrating successes, and admitting when things go wrong.

2. Prioritize Empathy and Human Connection

People crave empathy, especially during uncertain times. Leaders who show genuine care for their employees and customers—and who listen to their concerns—build a deeper sense of trust. Empathy is a powerful tool that allows leaders to connect on a human level, which is essential in today’s world, where people are looking for leaders who understand their needs and struggles.

3. Act on Social Responsibility

In an era where social and environmental issues are front and center, leaders and organizations must demonstrate a commitment to addressing them. This goes beyond simply making statements; it requires tangible actions. By championing causes that align with their values and working to make a positive impact, leaders can show that they care about more than just profits, which helps build long-term trust.

4. Foster Open Dialogue and Inclusivity

Trust is built when people feel heard. Leaders who actively create spaces for open dialogue and foster inclusivity can help to bridge divides and encourage collaboration. Whether within an organization or in the broader community, inclusive leadership promotes a sense of belonging, making it easier for people to trust that their voices matter.

5. Deliver on Promises and Commit to Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to building trust. Leaders must deliver on the promises they make. Follow-through on commitments demonstrates reliability and accountability. While mistakes are inevitable, the way leaders handle those mistakes—acknowledging them and taking steps to correct them—can demonstrate a commitment to growth and transparency.

The Path Forward: Building Trust in Organisations and Society

The task of rebuilding trust is not an easy one, but it is crucial for the success of both organisations and societies. The findings from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer serve as a wake-up call. Trust is not a luxury; it is the bedrock of strong leadership, thriving organisations, and healthy societies. As we navigate an era of uncertainty, leaders who invest in restoring trust and prioritise ethical, empathetic leadership will position themselves—and their organisations—for long-term success.

In the end, trust is the glue that holds everything together. As leaders, it is our responsibility to protect it, nurture it, and build upon it in ways that inspire confidence, collaboration, and positive change. Let us rise to the challenge and lead with trust as our guiding principle in this ever-changing world.