Formal and informal relationships are the foundation stones of organisational life and have the power to increase or decrease business productivity within any organisation. Business productivity may be achieved by adopting strong positive relationships - built on trust, respect and mutual benefit.

Relational trust develops from knowledge based on sharing values, norms and attitudes. Trust is an important element of effective relationships and therefore is an essential ingredient of the interpersonal relationships between leaders and those who choose to follow.

Through increased self-awareness, self-regulation, and positive modelling, authentic leaders foster the development of authenticity in followers.

In order that leaders demonstrate a desire for trusting relationships with the people they influence and lead, they themselves must behave in an authentic and trustworthy manner.