Updated: January 2025 by William Gladhart, CMO - Original Post
Original by: Cynthia Kyriazis, Chief Experience Officer
Audience: Leaders and Managers
Overview: What elements are involved in developing trust and high-performing teams?
As the Chief Experience Officer for our company, I have the privilege of engaging in conversations with professionals across industries who are passionate about building and sustaining a healthy organizational culture.
These discussions often include clients, prospects, and internal teams - all of whom recognize that culture isn’t just about development, but maintenance.
A high-performing culture isn’t static. It’s a living, breathing entity shaped by human interactions, requiring clear communication and, most importantly, trust.
Research consistently shows that high-performing teams thrive when trust is at the foundation of their environment.
So, when I’m asked, ‘What does it take to have a culture people want to join and remain part of?’
I always think of the insights my colleague, Delise Simmons, our Chief Culture Officer, shared years ago - “Employees want leaders to listen, care, and take action - in that order.”
Action doesn’t have to mean immediate solutions, but it must demonstrate that a leader is acknowledging the need, taking a step forward, and maintaining transparent communication.
A leader can’t afford to drop the ball. And speaking of ball - let’s talk football.
The KC Chiefs’ Winning Culture
I’ve followed the Kansas City Chiefs for years, but this season has been remarkable. After an up-and-down regular season filled with several challenges - they have once again defied expectations - securing a spot in the Super Bowl - for the THIRD year in a row. Their resilience, adaptability, and trust in one another have propelled them back to the biggest stage in professional football.
It all circles back to one key factor - leadership.
As someone who lived in Philadelphia for 20 years and has spent nearly as much time in Kansas City, I’ve had a unique perspective on Coach Andy Reid’s leadership journey.
Whether in Philly or KC, one thing remains constant - his players speak about him with deep respect, admiration, and trust.
I’ve always been curious about what makes Andy Reid a transformational leader.
And then, I came across an article that summed it up perfectly: Chiefs Coach Andy Reid uses one simple tactic to build trust with his players - and anyone can do it.
Listen. Care. Act.
No magic. No gimmicks.
Just a consistent, honored, human-centered approach to leadership. The Chiefs’ culture is built on trust, and it starts at the top.
Leadership in Action
After last year’s Super Bowl victory, I watched player interviews and noticed a recurring theme in how they spoke about Andy Reid. Now, as they prepare to compete for another championship, those same leadership qualities continue to shine.
“He takes 53 grown men and helps them grow their abilities while not disrespecting them. I respect his leadership and try to be as much of a leader as he is.” - Travis Kelce
“He's a coach for the players. He's amazing. I hurt myself last game and he cared about me. I got the help I needed and worked overtime to get ready for this game. Because Andy is amazing.” - JuJu Smith-Schuster
“He’s a great coach, but he’s really a great human being because he really cares about people. He cares about us as men and players, and that’s why you hear us speak so highly of him.” - Patrick Mahomes
The Takeaway for Leaders
What does this mean for business leaders?
The same principles apply:
Listen to your employees and their needs.
Care about their well-being and professional growth.
Take action to build trust and show that their concerns matter.
As the Chiefs gear up for another Super Bowl, their continued success is proof that championship-level performance is rooted in culture.
Whether you’re leading a football team or a business, culture isn’t just about results - it’s about the environment that enables those results.
How will you build trust and elevate performance in your organization?
No magic is required - just leadership that listens, cares, and acts.
"I believe he is the best coach of all time. For me, he brings out the best in me because he lets me be me. He doesn’t try to make me anyone else. I don’t think I would be the quarterback that I am if I didn’t have coach Reid being my head coach." - Patrick Mahomes
Cynthia Kyriazis is the Chief Experience Officer at The Culture Think Tank. Her experience includes executive coaching, meeting facilitation, consulting and training.