Lets Talk About Trust

I agree with Brooker T. Washington, "Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him." I agree with Mr. Washington because I've experienced trust. I've been on both the giving and receiving side of the equation, and I know first hand the power of trust.

That's what trust is. It's power. Power to transform an ordinary, everyday, OK place to work, into an environment where people are almost unstoppable. Power to unleash creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, and fun. Power to bring out the energy, talents and gifts of individuals, to build teams, to achieve amazing results.

Look around your organization. There's some division or department or work unit or team that's like that ... some pocket of excellence where people shine, ideas flourish, and exceptional work is achieved. That's where trust is.

People work for people, not for companies. And no one needs permission to create his or her own pocket of excellence. Trust is not about them giving it to us. Trust is an action we can take. We start trust by giving trust.

But, simple behaviors diminish it. The first question I ask when a staff member shows up in my office to tell me a tale of woe about a co-worker is a simple one: "Have you talked to them?" I can count on one hand how many times in twenty years of managing that someone said yes. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the person who is the offending party was never told about the issue before it was escalated to management. Will the co-worker feel betrayed? I did when a peer went to my boss without giving me a chance to address their concerns, or informing me there even was an issue. Was trust diminished? You can bet on that one.

Hate those e-mails where someone cc'd "the world", including your boss and your boss's boss, and everyone else's boss? Not a trust building behavior, I'd say. What can you do about it? Don't send e-mails like that and don't push the "reply all" button. Address your remarks to those that need to be included.

Ever get irritated when people blow off meetings, miss deadlines, and take weeks to reply? Not behaviors that build confidence and trust. So, be aware of behaviors that irritate you, and don't do them. Model the behaviors you want from others.

If we want to work in a trusting environment, pay attention to yourself ... to your thinking, your intentions, your actions, your commitments, and your promises. Trust is not blind or unconditional, and it's not without risk. But is it a powerful choice you can make if you want to be winning at working.

(c) 2004 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Nan's free biweekly eColumn at http://www.winningatworking.com. Nan Russell has spent over twenty years in management, most recently with QVC as a Vice President. She has held leadership positions in Human Resource Development, Communication, Marketing and line Management. Nan has a B.A. from Stanford University and M.A. from the University of Michigan. Currently working on her first book, Winning at Working: 10 Lessons Shared, Nan is a writer, columnist, small business owner, and on-line instructor. Visit http://www.nanrussell.com or contact Nan at info@nanrussell.com

---

Salary Negotiation Secrets Revealed

Before you go into the interview, it is important to... Read More

Turning Their Loss Into Your Job Gain

It isn't the end of the world, even if it... Read More

7 Deadly Cover Writing Sins

Don't start off your job search with one (or more)... Read More

Free Resume Examples: Untold Wealth In 10 Minutes!

Doesn't every job search start with Google?Way back in another... Read More

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Something That Hasnt Been Invented Yet!

Most of us were brought up to study hard, get... Read More

Losing A Career Can Feel Like Getting A Divorce

Most of us are aware that we need to grieve... Read More

Networking - A Key Factor in a Successful Job Search

In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their... Read More

Working In Iraq: Is It For You?

The US Army Corp of Engineers and numerous private companies... Read More

Business & Career: Know Your Ruling Star!

"Know your Ruling Star. One man is better received by... Read More

Prepare for YOUR Future now --

All Presidential candidates (before and after) make all kinds of... Read More

The Last Minute Interview

Your breath catches in your throat - at last, an... Read More

Evaluating Job Offers -- Eleven Warning Signs You Must Watch Out For

Moving into a new job always involves some degree of... Read More

Always Have a Current Resume

What is the biggest mistake people make with resumes?People write... Read More

How To Get a Job Offer From Every Interview

About four years ago a friend told me one night... Read More

Cover Letters

Cover Letters: Are you telling them what they want to... Read More

Get A New Job - Career Choices

Career change is tough but rewardingThere are a number of... Read More

Planning Your Successful Career: 15 Ideas

"Doing a good job is one of the most important... Read More

Resume Writing Service Website

Promote Your Resume Business Website!While we make our websites to... Read More

Becoming A Home Inspector: What the Home Inspection Schools Dont Want You To Know

Chances are if you're reading this you've thought about becoming... Read More

Job Security Is Dead! Are You?

Job security is an out dated concept. The idea is... Read More

Finally The First Online Job Agency in Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean with... Read More

Last Year Physician Resident Checklist

Here is a last year resident checklist not to forget:LICENSING:Licensing... Read More

Youre Fired!

One-day you're minding your own business and your boss comes... Read More

Make Your Résumé Sizzle with Success Stories

In today's competitive job market you can't afford a résumé... Read More

Career Change: A Glittering Invitation To The Emotional Stalkers

As much as you are yearning for career-change, and as... Read More

Resumes, Networking, Headhunters ? Useless Without Marketing Sweet Spot

A career transition is no longer about getting your hands... Read More

The Best Business And Economy Solutions

In todays Business and economy, starting any business service requires... Read More

Energizing Synergy

Would you like to have more energy and synergy in... Read More

Building Performance Trust

You can have outstanding ideas, yet never leverage them into... Read More

Chicken Soup for Job Seekers

Do you want to change your job but don't know... Read More

How to Tell if You are Fired and Just Dont Know It

No one should be fired and be surprised about it.... Read More

Why Bachelors Make Bad Decisions: Five Tips to Move from Reality Television to Your Career Change

The Bachelor is one of the many reality shows that... Read More

How To Become A Computer Consultant

Have you ever wanted to become a computer consultant, but... Read More