Coronavirus deaths are still rising around the world, having already soared over 8.5 million by Thursday. Economies are plunging into recession. And now there are mass global protests against racial inequity and social injustice.

It is tempting to draw an analogy with one of the old science-fiction movies in which the world was about to explode and the valiant hero – who was unfortunately usually male – would have to find a way to transport the survivors safely to another planet to begin all over again.

Fortunately, our world is now transforming rather than ending and current leaders of all types and genders do not have to start completely from scratch in the "New Normal” beyond Corona, which is likely to begin next year.

In fact, there are many existing theories and practices that might be applicable in future from the Western concept of Authentic Leadership to the Zulu concept of "Sawubona” (relating to "Mutual Respect”) to the Rwandan concept of "Umuganda” (Community Cooperation and Service).

And the "New Normal” will present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for leaders to draw on these theories and practices and then envision, create and shape a new kind of relationship with those around them, whether they are subordinates, peers, bosses, customers, vendors, communities or society at large.

One of the key requirements for this new way of leading will be Trust.

"Leaders now need to create and develop a culture of deep trust for those who depend on them”, says a senior leadership development professional at a large Rwandan bank.

Before looking at how to build this culture of "deep trust”, we must recognize and clarify what trust is and isn’t: