Which of the following is essential to building trust in your subordinates according to the idea of gaining influence?

Transparency is fundamental to building trust in subordinates because it involves open and honest communication about intentions, decisions, and the reasoning behind certain actions. When leaders are transparent, they share relevant information that affects their team, allowing subordinates to understand the context in which decisions are made. This openness helps to alleviate uncertainty and fosters an environment where team members feel valued and included.

Additionally, transparency signals that a leader is not hiding information or making arbitrary decisions, which can significantly enhance credibility. When subordinates perceive their leaders as transparent, they are more likely to trust them and be receptive to their influence, leading to a more cohesive and motivated team.

In contrast, while leadership ability, personal relationships, and communication skills are also important to influence and effective leadership, none hold the same weight in directly establishing trust as transparency does. A leader may possess outstanding communication skills and have good relationships with their subordinates, but without transparency, these qualities may not lead to the deep trust necessary for effective influence and teamwork.