Renowned British broadcaster and journalist Gavin Esler frequently explores the intricacies of governance and leadership. Regardless of the task's nature, one of his noteworthy insights is the importance of trust in effective leadership.

Esler illustrates this point with an intriguing analogy: changing a baby's diaper and navigating Britain's difficult exit from the European Union (Brexit) are two very different tasks that call for different skill sets. Nonetheless, trust is a key component in both circumstances. To protect the baby's wellbeing when changing diapers, parents should follow their gut feelings and the advice they've been given. In a similar vein, leaders must rely on their experience and a team's assistance to negotiate the complex web of international relations during the Brexit negotiations.

In this situation, trust entails appreciating and acknowledging the competence of those involved, not just having faith in someone's ability to complete a task. Trust is the foundation for successful outcomes in both situations, whether a parent trusts themselves to raise their child or legislators rely on professionals to lead discussions.

Esler's observation emphasizes that management and leadership are about creating an atmosphere where people can rely on one another's skills, not just about having particular skills. A culture of trust and collaboration is fostered by this shared faith, and this is crucial for addressing both routine problems and more significant undertakings like negotiating international agreements.

Societies rely on leaders to make well-informed decisions that have the potential to affect countless lives, just as we trust our cars to transport us safely to work or our doctors to cure us when we are ill. People are able to carry out their responsibilities with assurance and integrity because of this ingrained faith in the abilities of others.

Esler's observation challenges us to think about how threads of competence and trust bind society together, from the most intimate interpersonal relationships to the most significant global concerns. Similar to how a well-oiled machine runs smoothly when every component does its job well, a community flourishes when it is built on a foundation of respect for one another and faith in one another's abilities.