Trust is at the core of anything we want to do in life that involves other people. Without trust it is virtually impossible to build relationships. And relationships are important because people do business with other people. Further, when it comes to leadership people listen to and follow those they know and trust.
So, whether it comes to doing business or leading people, building trust is essential. Unfortunately, most people focus their efforts on what science has taught us are the rational forms of trust—competence and reliability—which play a relatively small role in actually building trust. Fortunately, science has also revealed that trust is predominantly a feeling and that the key to building trust is through authenticity and care.
Authenticity and care seem like simple enough concepts. Why then do most people struggle in being authentic and demonstrating care? I believe it is because to be truly authentic requires a person to be vulnerable and to demonstrate care involves putting others before ourselves. In other words, to truly build trust requires that we are more selfless and less selfish—concepts that run counter to human nature and hence require intentionality every day.
Challenge: As you go about your work think about how you are putting the interests of others ahead of your own. Each week write in your journal/planner one example of how you intentionally put somebody else ahead of you.
Herb Mast is a Leadership Coach and Business Consultant. He would love to assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented above. He is confident that in the process you will enjoy a 10X ROI.
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