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Developing High-Trust Teams: The Key to Achieving Operational Excellence


✨What Does Trust Have To Do With Operational Excellence?

For Robert Elliot, U.S. Navy veteran, global operations leader, and supply chain specialist, trust is a key performance strategy.


Over his thirty-year career in electronics manufacturing, supply chain management, and leading global teams, Robert has learned one clear truth: High-trust teams form the backbone of operational excellence. 


Trust allows teams to take risks, learn from mistakes, stretch themselves, and stay grounded amid change or uncertainty. In this episode of the Lead Boldly™ Podcast, Robert explains how servant leadership, transparency, and genuine connection foster environments where people feel safe enough to perform at their best.


His leadership journey, from the U.S. Navy to managing repair operations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, serves as a strong reminder: operational excellence starts with people excellence.


👑 What It Means To Lead Boldly

When asked what Lead Boldly™ means to him, Robert shared a compelling and practical answer:

“Leading boldly is not being afraid. It’s preparing yourself so you’re ready to lead your team, no matter the outcome.”

For Robert, bold leadership is anchored in preparation, humility, and accountability. It’s the willingness to:


  • Step into difficult conversations.

  • Approach change with courage and clarity.

  • Admit mistakes openly so the team feels safe to learn.

  • Build trust through consistency and compassion.

  • Celebrate progress, even in high-pressure environments.


His reflection deepens our understanding of bold leadership. It's not about bragging or being flawless. It’s about demonstrating to the team, through words and actions, that they are not alone.


💎 Robert’s Royal Reflections

At the close of the episode, Robert shared principles that guide his leadership:


  1. You're always one conversation away from a solution. A belief rooted in his mentoring philosophy and decades of people development.

  2. Attention is in the details. Operational excellence lives in preparation, discipline, and follow-through.

  3. Prioritize your health. You are a corporate athlete. There is no off-season. REST matters, and it must be a priority.


These reminders call leaders to care for themselves so they can effectively care for their teams.


🔗Connect with Robert Elliot

Robert continues to mentor emerging leaders and champion people-driven operational excellence. To learn more about Robert’s leadership journey or invite him into conversation, connect with him via LinkedIn: Robert Elliot's profile.


💬Join the Conversation👇🏾👇🏻

How are you fostering trust within your team?What practices support your organization in maintaining excellence during change?


Share your insights in the comments…you might inspire another leader on their journey.




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