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Episode 7 Trust Under Stress

Episode Notes

Trust Under Stress – What Really Shows Up When Pressure Hits

In this episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom dive into a powerful truth: stress doesn’t break trust, it reveals it.

When deadlines tighten, uncertainty rises, and emotions run high, our habits, not our intentions, take over. So what does that mean for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth?

They explore the 5 pillars of high trust and how each one either strengthens or breaks down under pressure.

Key Takeaways

• Stress amplifies who we already are, it doesn’t create new behaviors.
• Under pressure, people fall back on habits and training, not intentions.
• Trust can actually grow stronger during difficult times if handled well.
• Awareness is the first step to improving how you show up under stress.

The 5 Pillars of Trust (and How They Show Up Under Stress)

1. Character – Do you walk your talk?

Breaks down as:

• Blaming others
• Deflecting responsibility
• Denying mistakes to protect ego

Strong leaders:

• Take ownership
• Admit mistakes
• Lead with authenticity and integrity

“Character is most visible when it’s most inconvenient.”

2. Commitment – Do you put the team first?

Breaks down as:

• Taking shortcuts
• Lowering standards
• Prioritizing self over team

Strong leaders:

• Follow through on promises
• Stay disciplined
• Anchor decisions in purpose (“the why”)

3. Competence – Are you capable and relevant?

Breaks down as:

• Rushing and multitasking
• Sloppy execution
• Reacting instead of following process

Strong leaders:

• Stay calm and disciplined
• Trust their training and systems
• Slow down to execute effectively

“Under pressure, we don’t need more intensity.  We need more discipline.”

4. Connection – Do people feel understood?

Breaks down as:

• Withdrawing or isolating
• Barking orders without listening
• Failing to engage the team

Strong leaders:

• Stay engaged and present
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Make people feel heard (even if they don’t get their way)

5. Communication – Do people understand you?

Breaks down as:

• Being vague or unclear
• Making assumptions
• Thinking “I said it once, so they got it”

Strong leaders:

• Communicate clearly and consistently
• Check for understanding
• Share intent, not just information

Real Talk on Stress

• Stress triggers fight-or-flight responses, physically and emotionally.
• Common reactions include:

Recognizing your personal stress patterns is key to managing them.

Actionable Reflection

Ask yourself:

• Which pillar breaks down for me under stress?
• What patterns or habits do I fall back on?
• What will I do differently next time I feel pressure rising?

Awareness to Intention to Better Behavior

Practical Tips

• “Wind the clock” Pause before reacting and follow your process
• Train consistently during calm periods so you’re prepared for chaos
• Don’t wait until trust is broken, build it daily
• Ask a trusted person for honest feedback on how you show up

Mentioned

• High Trust Leadership by George Dom

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Closing Thought

Never waste a crisis.
Stress is a mirror:  use it to learn, grow, and lead better.