Compassionate Leadership: Building Trust with Don Johnson
INTRODUCTION
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes leadership expert Don Johnson to discuss a powerful, people-centric approach to managing and engaging teams. Johnson, who has worked extensively with Native American tribes, shares his insights on trust, vulnerability, and the profound impact of compassion in leadership.
THE JOURNEY INTO LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Don Johnson’s leadership journey began unexpectedly when he transitioned into HR training after a career shift. His firsthand experience with management gaps in people skills led him to develop comprehensive leadership training programs, delivering 20–30 workshops annually.
COMPASSION AS A LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
Johnson emphasizes that many leaders are promoted for technical expertise, not interpersonal skills. Compassion, he says, is the missing link. Teaching people skills and encouraging empathy helps leaders better understand, support, and retain their teams.
BUILDING TRUST THROUGH VULNERABILITY
Trust is essential, particularly in tribal communities where Johnson has done much of his work. He advocates for vulnerability as a leadership strength, citing Brene Brown’s wisdom: “Vulnerability is courage.” Sharing personal stories fosters authenticity, which builds trust and encourages reciprocal openness from team members.
THE COST OF POOR LEADERSHIP
Johnson notes the top reason employees leave jobs is poor management. Despite corporate narratives suggesting otherwise, leadership behavior often underlies employee dissatisfaction. Compassionate leadership—especially during times of trauma—can reverse disengagement and improve retention.
COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW COMPASSION FIXES THEM
Neglecting emotional engagement leads to clock-punching workers with minimal involvement. Johnson links engagement to trust and urges organizations to prioritize both. Trust-based cultures result in higher performance, productivity, and well-being.
DR. LYCKA’S THREE CRUCIAL LEADERSHIP TRAITS
Dr. Lycka highlights empathetic listening, recognition, and celebration as key tools. Recognition should be frequent, sincere, and specific. Johnson echoes this, referencing studies that show high-trust companies experience 74% less stress and 76% higher engagement.
RECOGNITION IS POWERFUL—AND FREE
A simple, heartfelt “thank you” from leadership can transform morale. Johnson recounts a personal story where a CEO’s note reinvigorated his commitment and engagement. He encourages leaders to “catch employees doing things right” at least five times more often than pointing out errors.
REBUILDING TRUST PRACTICALLY
To regain trust, leaders must be first to trust, support employees through challenges, and foster psychological safety. Johnson urges a shift from fixed to growth mindsets and warns against biases that hinder connection.
NAVIGATING RESISTANCE TO CHANGE
Transitioning to a people-centric model can meet resistance. Johnson recommends active listening, responding to employee feedback, and building a culture where voices are heard. As trust grows, resistance diminishes, and collaboration flourishes.
BIO:
Don Johnson has focused his work on better people management. He still works with a Native American Tribe teaching leadership skills but also provides his facilitation skills to help other organizations change their leadership approach to managing people. Johnson believes that compassion is the key. A key component of that thinking is building trust, while we see trust in leadership deteriorating in most organizations.
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