Monday we discussed how trust is a bedrock of business and personal success.
To give you examples of actions you can take to gain and keep trust, we pull from Stephen R Covey’s great work and book, The Speed of Trust, in which he identifies 13 character and competency behaviors of high trust leaders. We identify these then briefly describe from our perspective:
1. Talk straight—That is, communicate clearly and clarify agreements to avoid misunderstanding.
2. Demonstrate Respect, which is grounded in principles of fairness, kindness and civility to all, not just those that have influence on/over you.
3. Create Transparency – Be open and authentic about yourself and agendas.
4. Right Wrongs – If you were wrong/wronged someone, whether intentionally or unintentionally, be accountable sooner than later. Apologize, clear it, be accountable and make it up someway if needed. No excuses, no defensiveness, over-ride your ego and grow through humility.
5. Show Loyalty – Be generous with praise, appreciation and recognition of others and their value.
6. Deliver Results. Produce consistently.
7. Get Better. Adopt a life-long learning and self development philosophy; and do it.
8. Confront reality. You have heard us say over and over—eyes wide shut! is not a viable strategy for relationship building or success.
9. Clarify Expectations. Create common ground and agreements on direction (and actions) forward.
10. Practice Accountability. Demonstrate your own by taking responsibility and seeing it through; and if leading others, be clear on how progress is tracked and consequences are delivered then uphold the standards and practices.
11. Listen First. Two ears and one mouth for a reason…the more you hear and the less you assume, the more you will understand the individual.
12. Keep Commitments. Keep your word. If you must break it (for whatever reason), immediately acknowledge that, apologize if appropriate and renegotiate next steps.
13. Extend Trust. Offer (demonstrate your giving of) trust through first believing others are worthy of it and capable and caring enough to earn and uphold it. You get by giving—not withholding.
