How would you like to see improvements like this for you and your coworkers?
- 40% less burnout
- 50% higher productivity
- 74% less stress
- 76% more engagement
- 106% more energy at work
Studies show these are the benefits of working at a high-trust company compared to a low-trust one. More trust sounds like a good thing, doesn’t it?
However, high amounts of trust aren’t always a good thing. Just ask the people on this list:
- Rupert Murdoch – Media Mogul
- Carlos Slim – World’s 11th richest person
- Robert Kraft – Owner of the New England Patriots
- George Shultz – Former US Secretary of State
- Henry Kissinger – Former US Secretary of State
They each either invested millions in—or sat on the board of—Theranos. For 10 years, CEO Elizabeth Holmes inspired high trust from these and other high profile leaders, convincing them her biotech firm had invented a revolutionary new blood-testing technology. The only problem? She was lying.
So more trust isn’t always a good thing. We don’t always need more trust, we need better trust.
Remember, the two mistakes we typically make are trusting those who don’t deserve it and not trusting those who do. Both have unwanted consequences. Better trust starts with better trust decisions.
When deciding to trust, consider:
- Your own propensity to trust. Are you quick to trust? What safeguards should you consider? Slow to trust? What opportunities should you take a second look at?
- The elements of trustworthiness. Objectively assess the authenticity, benevolence, competence, and dependability of the person you’re about to trust.
- The level of trust warranted. Are you starting with an appropriate level of trust and leaving yourself an out?
When seeking quality trust from others:
- Listen between the lines. Be curious; look for the meaning beyond words and consider what the other person really wants, needs, or fears.
- Communicate your trustworthiness. Clearly demonstrate your authenticity, benevolence, competence, and dependability in a way that connects to their wants, needs, or fears.
- Trust them first. Take the initiative; look for a way you can honestly demonstrate trust in the other person and do it.
For Reflection: When was they last time you felt betrayed? Knowing what you now know, what would you have trusted differently?
Update: 61,003 words
I’ve written 61,003 manuscript words out of a goal of 60,000. That puts me over 100%!
I can’t thank you enough for your support and accountability over the past four months. You’ve played a huge role in helping me get this ugly first draft knocked out. I now have a nice lump of clay I can start to shape. On to the editing phase!
