Jim's Gems
Trust
Have you ever thought about trust? Do you think it is a valued commodity? How trustworthy are you? What does it mean when we say we can be trusted? In any situation, whether your position is frontline leadership, friend, parent or neighbor, your influence is enormous if you are trusted. But...if you cannot be trusted, it doesn’t matter what your title is or how much authority you have; your influence or believability is virtually zero.
When we are trusted, it means that we can be relied on. Relied on to do what? Basically, to deliver on promises or to just do the right thing, whatever that might be. We build trust by sharing information that is timely, accurate, objective, and complete. We build trust by keeping our word, doing what we say we will do, and when we say we will do it. How can anyone be trusted who is mostly talk and no action.
Once we think about it, we find that trust is fragile. It must be earned and re-earned. Even small omissions or errors in judgement can damage it quickly. Afterall, we don’t go through life in a vacuum. Everything we do is under a microscope to be observed and scrutinized.
If we are trustworthy, it says a lot about our character. It means we have integrity. It means our values and our behaviors are aligned. We stand for what we not only believe in but what we say.
Certainly, we stumble or make mistakes - after all, we are human. However, when this happens, we don’t cover it up or try to make it look like someone else’s fault, even if it’s going to make us look bad. And when before we make decisions or take actions, we make them thoughtfully considering alternatives and consequences of such.
When we are trusted, people listen to what we say and do. We are asked for our advice, with confidence that we are reliable. When we are worthy of that trust, we should feel accountable to use our influence responsibly.
Trust has always been, and continues to be, a precious commodity. From a human perspective, it is more valuable than gold or diamonds. Let that sink in for a minute.
Think about this. Who do you trust, and why do you trust that person? In your circle of friends and acquaintances, if there are any who aren’t trustworthy, why do you associate with them? Maybe you need to search for others who can be trusted. Above all else, ask yourself, ‘am I a person who can be trusted? If not, why not?’ If not, it’s not too late to admit your mistakes and start making changes.
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