Feb 24, 2008

Trust is to Business, What Oil is to an Engine

Trust is such a vital part of business. Trust between employees, trust with consumers and trust in the leaders, from the stakeholders.

I often work with teams to develop trust but there are no words that will build or develop it, only actions delivered against promises

T = Telling the truth, not spinning the story
R = Realistic expectations that are stretching for people yet people trust that if they are delivered, they will bring business and personal success
U = Understanding people and their emotions. People are emotional by nature. This can lead people not to give truthful feedback, however people need the truth for growth. So understanding people, showing empathy to what motivates them can really help in their growth. Confidentiality is imperative.
S = Seeking the truth is important in the business. People can hide behind data, people can hide from the truth. To be successful you need to want the truth and constantly seek the truth to improve over time. When you seek the truth, people will learn to be truthful.
T = Taking the rough with the smooth. Trust is built when people do not judge in the short term, they judge over the long term. Trust that people know that no one is perfect, mistakes will be made....but that the mistakes were made for the right reason..pushing the boundaries. Trust is developed when people know, that they will be supported to push those boundaries.

24 Feb 2008 20:21:45

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Anna Farmery

Social Marketing Architect, Speaker, Author and in spare time completing PhD on the future of the social business model

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