Season 3 Premiere: The Trust Gap Between Authority and Influence episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 24, 2026 · 55 MIN

Season 3 Premiere: The Trust Gap Between Authority and Influence

from Fault Lines · host Richard Roman

Why do managers struggle to lead change even when they have authority? In this episode, leadership consultant Marcy Levy Shankman explains the critical difference between positional power and relational trust, and why confusing the two is the most common mistake new leaders make. You'll learn the confidence-comfort framework for closing the knowing-doing gap, how to build trust with remote teams, and how to recognize the warning signs of a fear-based organizational culture. Whether you're a new manager, senior leader, or HR professional, this conversation offers practical tools for building the kind of trust that turns compliance into commitment. Topics covered: leadership trust, authority vs. influence, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, team management, the knowing-doing gap, virtual team trust, psychological safety, fear-based culture, change management Key Takeaways Why positional authority doesn't equal leadership influence The confidence-comfort framework for team performance How to diagnose a fear-based workplace culture Two questions every manager should ask in one-on-ones Trust For Thought Ask someone on your team who's stuck: What would make you more confident that you could try this and recover if it doesn't work? What would make you more comfortable experimenting here? Resources Mentioned Emotionally Intelligent Leadership by Marcy Levy Shankman & Scott Allen Think Again by Adam Grant 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer (report) Connect Newsletter: Trust Be Told on Substack New episodes: Every Tuesday LinkedIn: Richard Roman

Why do managers struggle to lead change even when they have authority? In this episode, leadership consultant Marcy Levy Shankman explains the critical difference between positional power and relational trust, and why confusing the two is the most common mistake new leaders make.You'll learn the confidence-comfort framework for closing the knowing-doing gap, how to build trust with remote teams, and how to recognize the warning signs of a fear-based organizational culture. Whether you're a new manager, senior leader, or HR professional, this conversation offers practical tools for building the kind of trust that turns compliance into commitment.Topics covered: leadership trust, authority vs. influence, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, team management, the knowing-doing gap, virtual team trust, psychological safety, fear-based culture, change management Key Takeaways Why positional authority doesn't equal leadership influence The confidence-comfort framework for team performance How to diagnose a fear-based workplace culture Two questions every manager should ask in one-on-ones Trust For Thought Ask someone on your team who's stuck: What would make you more confident that you could try this and recover if it doesn't work? What would make you more comfortable experimenting here? Resources Mentioned Emotionally Intelligent Leadership by Marcy Levy Shankman & Scott AllenThink Again by Adam Grant2026 Edelman Trust Barometer (report) ConnectNewsletter: Trust Be Told on SubstackNew episodes: Every TuesdayLinkedIn: Richard Roman

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Season 3 Premiere: The Trust Gap Between Authority and Influence

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This episode was published on March 24, 2026.

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Why do managers struggle to lead change even when they have authority? In this episode, leadership consultant Marcy Levy Shankman explains the critical difference between positional power and relational trust, and why confusing the two is the most...

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