Posted by Steven Gorlin on October 20, 2008 at 6:23am
"There is one thing that is common to every individual, team, family, organization, nation, economy, and civilization throughout the world - one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love. On the other hand, if developed and leveraged, that one thing has the potential to create unparalleled success and prosperity in every dimension of life. Yet, it is the least understood, most neglected, and most under estimated possibility of our time."That One Thing is TRUSTContrary to what most people believe, trust is not some soft, illusive quality that you either have or you don't; rather trust is a pragmatic, tangible, actionable asset that you can create - much faster than you probably thiink possible.The ONE Thing That Changes EVERYTHING"While corporate scandals, terrorist threats, office politics, and broken relationships have created low trust on almost every front, I contend that the ability to establish, grow, extend, and restore trust is not only vital to our personal and interpersonal well-being; it is the key leadership competency of the new global economy. I am also convinced that in every situation,NOTHING IS AS FAST AS THE SPEED OF TRUST.And, contrary to the popular belief, trust is something you can do something about. In fact, you can get good at creating it."These words were written by Stephen M.R.Covey in the introductionof his book titled, THE SPEED OF TRUST.It helps every leader to understand how trust is the foundation for any true and lasting success.TRUST MEN AND THEY WILL BE TRUE TO YOU; TREAT THEM GREATLY, AND THEY WILL SHOW THEMSELVES GREAT - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanks, Jeremy. These Scout Laws and guiding principals, I'm sure have served you well. If you should be lucky enough to have employees your challenge is to instill these principals in them. Discuss it all the time with them. Have open forums, debates, discussions all the time until they are inculcated into the fabric of your culture.
It brings me back to ...
# Trustworthy,
# Loyal,
# Helpful,
# Friendly,
# Courteous,
# Kind,
# Obedient,
# Cheerful,
# Thrifty,
# Brave,
# Clean,
# and Reverent.
Anyone recall that? The 12 Points of the Scout Law I learned at the age of 11 and work hard to keep that at the forefront of who I am and how I operate my equipment repair business.
Ray, to that end we begin at the beginning.
In order to be trusted you must be TRUSTWORTHY as an individual. TRUSTWORTHYNESS - includes competence and character. It takes both to be trustworthy. If you have one without the other - it doesn't work. There is a lack of trust. A doctor, lacking experience, operating on a patient is not trustworthy. Although he has the character...he lacks competence. Conversely, an experienced surgeon who cheats on his wife with his assistant, has the experience but lacks the character. He is also not trustworthy. One is not good without the other. It takes both competence and character to be a trustworthy individual.
Now, trust in interpersonal relationships is dependant upon both people being trustworthy. With TRUSTWORTHYNESS as the foundation - you create the opportunity for TRUST in the relationship.
Steve, you have NO idea how important this message is and it is too often it is assumed to be in every relationship; sometimes Trust turns out to be a one way street. When you lose trust, or conversely when you fail to be trustful to those who trust in you, the relationship suffers an inescapable loss.
Thanks for your amazing insight!
Here is my addition:
“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with the important matters.”
Comments
# Trustworthy,
# Loyal,
# Helpful,
# Friendly,
# Courteous,
# Kind,
# Obedient,
# Cheerful,
# Thrifty,
# Brave,
# Clean,
# and Reverent.
Anyone recall that? The 12 Points of the Scout Law I learned at the age of 11 and work hard to keep that at the forefront of who I am and how I operate my equipment repair business.
In order to be trusted you must be TRUSTWORTHY as an individual. TRUSTWORTHYNESS - includes competence and character. It takes both to be trustworthy. If you have one without the other - it doesn't work. There is a lack of trust. A doctor, lacking experience, operating on a patient is not trustworthy. Although he has the character...he lacks competence. Conversely, an experienced surgeon who cheats on his wife with his assistant, has the experience but lacks the character. He is also not trustworthy. One is not good without the other. It takes both competence and character to be a trustworthy individual.
Now, trust in interpersonal relationships is dependant upon both people being trustworthy. With TRUSTWORTHYNESS as the foundation - you create the opportunity for TRUST in the relationship.
Thanks for your amazing insight!
Here is my addition:
“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with the important matters.”
- Albert Einstein