In a world overflowing with "what not to do" posts for managers (we get it, micromanagers are the worst), let’s focus on the positive. What should you be doing as a marketing leader if you want to transform your team and inspire trust? Enter Dr. Paul Zak's OXYTOCIN model — designed to create real connections and make you the Chief Inspiration Officer your team didn’t know they needed. Here’s how each part of this trust-building recipe can up your leadership game:
1. Ovation: The Art of the Professional High-Five 🎉
Ovation is all about showing authentic appreciation. Imagine if every project win was capped off with a slow clap or a mini standing ovation. It’s not about handing out bonus checks alone (though, hey, that’s nice too). It’s about making your team feel like their contributions truly matter. When your team pulls off a successful campaign, go beyond the “Nice job!” emoji. Create a quick video, throw a casual team lunch, or shout them out on social media.
Real-world tip: Publicly celebrate their work. It’s like yelling, “You’re awesome!” from the digital rooftops, and trust me, your team will eat it up. This shows your crew that you see them, value their hard work, and that you’re here to cheer them on.
2. eXpectation: Believe in Your Team Like You’re Their Number-One Fan 🏆
Think of those epic sports movies where the coach believes in the team even more than the team believes in itself. That’s eXpectation. Your team has to know that you’re in their corner, supporting them through every pressure-cooker marketing challenge they face. Push them to take calculated risks, tackle ambitious projects, and dive headfirst into the competitive waters of today’s market.
Why does this matter? When your team feels your trust and belief, they don’t just work for you—they work with you. Show your support openly, and they’ll start to own their roles like never before. Pom-poms optional, but enthusiasm is a must.
3. Yield: The Micromanager’s Kryptonite 🛑
Yield means letting go. It’s about giving your team the room to breathe, create, and innovate. Micromanaging is like kryptonite to trust and creativity. To truly empower your team, you need to show that you trust them enough to handle the swing without you monitoring every move.
Try this: Next time you’re tempted to “circle back” on every detail, resist. Allow your team to handle things independently, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results. Trust goes both ways, and when you let them drive, they’ll likely show you just how far they can go.
4. Transfer: Empowerment is the New Black 🚀
Transfer takes the Yield philosophy to the next level. It’s not just letting people do things—it’s empowering them to make real decisions. Imagine handing someone the reins, not just to complete a task, but to approach it in their own unique way. Empowerment like this makes your team more engaged, more accountable, and more invested in the outcomes.
Try this out: With your next big campaign, assign someone to lead the charge. Let them design, strategize, and pivot as they see fit. They might just create the next big trend—or at least avoid the usual “let’s make the logo bigger” reruns. Giving them true ownership is a massive trust-booster.
5. Openness: Lose the Poker Face 🃏
Let’s face it: transparency isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must in building trust within your team. Dr. Zak’s model emphasizes the power of being open with information. Think of Openness as bringing everyone to the table—no secret handshakes required. When you keep things hidden, it can erode trust. But when you’re honest and direct? That’s when trust really takes root.
Action item: Share the why behind big decisions. Your team (and customers) don’t just want to hear “It’s company policy”; they want to know what’s driving decisions. Be real with them, and they’ll reciprocate with loyalty and respect.
6. Caring: Real Marketers Have Heart ❤️
Here’s a no-brainer—marketing isn’t just about hitting KPIs; it’s about people. Show that you genuinely care about your team’s well-being and personal growth. Listen to them, support their aspirations, and give them the freedom to express their creativity. This goes beyond “How are you?” Show you’re invested in their well-being with your time and energy, and watch how loyalty grows.
Pro tip: Don’t just ask “How’s it going?” Dive deeper. Make time to support them, whether it’s a quick coffee check-in or a longer conversation. The little things you do to show you care can matter more than you’d think.
7. Invest: Think of Trust as Your Biggest ROI 💰
Yes, you’re here to get conversions and drive revenue, but the real currency? Trust. Invest in your team, partners, and customers. This doesn’t always mean shelling out cash—it can be as simple as time, attention, and small gestures that show you’re in it for the long haul.
Think of it as relationship-building on steroids. As a marketing leader, your network and relationships fuel your success. Show that you’re willing to invest, and you’ll see loyalty—and performance—skyrocket.
8. Natural: Trust Isn’t Forced; It’s Felt 🌱
Finally, remember that trust is natural. It’s a slow build over time, like nurturing a plant. You can’t just “assign” trust to a team or brand; it’s something you cultivate. Show up authentically, listen, learn, and build those connections.
Takeaway? Your team and customers will sense authenticity from a mile away. Be real with them, and they’ll trust you in return.
Ready to Put the OXYTOCIN Model to Work? 🌟
It’s time to make the leap from manager to Chief Inspiration Officer. What’s one thing you’ll try this week to start building trust and collaboration with your team? Share your thoughts or tag someone who’d rock the OXYTOCIN model! #MarketingLeadership #ChiefInspirationOfficer #TrustMatters
Gracias,
Shazzy Hardy
Founder
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