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

---

Bartending School Online- Earn Your Bartender Training From Home

Many young adults flock to bars, lounges and clubs on a weekly basis. They spend hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars on entertaining themselves and their friends. When... Read More

Out Recruit The Competition

We hear from our clients that they "hope the candidate takes the job." Hiring a candidate shouldn't be a guessing game. After you interview a candidate thoroughly,... Read More

Business Careers: Keys to Moving on from Retrenchment

You may be astonished to realize that retrenchment may occur more than once during the life of the modern day worker. In fact, career advisors report that... Read More

Leaders Meet Challenge Heads-UP With Confidence --

Maybe "buck" is better referred to as the Boss' Challenge. Business owners are faced with making lots of decisions - some quickly made - others take more... Read More

Tips for Getting Your Movie Career Launched

Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to get your movie career fast tracked then here are three common sense tips to help you on... Read More

Career Strategy When Your Boss is a Bully

Q. Right after I accepted my new position, the manager who hired me quit. I now have a boss "Sam" who's a classic bully. He has most... Read More

Resume Tips To Take You From SAHM to WAHM

When looking for a telecommuting position, it is very important to have your resume in tip-top shape. This is often the only thing that a potential employer... Read More

How to Feel Satisfied in Your Career

Many people turn a beloved hobby into a vocation. They have a gift, a talent screaming for expression. It means doing something that they love. At last,... Read More

Job Search 101

The whole job search effort is completely exhausting and at times just plain pathetic. It is what it is and if you are unemployed know that the... Read More

The Path of Least Resistance

I spend a bit of time on airplanes. So, I was surprised by what I observed on a regional jet. Yes, it was holiday travel. Yes, the... Read More

Invest in Your Career Change--Put Your Money Where Your Dream Is

You say you want a new career, you say you want to start your own business, you say you'd love to be a freelance writer and travel... Read More

Your Attitude Is Screaming

There is more attitude around than the 'traditional 'positive / negative attitude. This issue's topic will expose you to the other kind of attitude. You will also... Read More

Inside Sales Jobs: A Job Worth Seeking?

Are you interested in inside sales as a career? Inside sales can be a very rewarding job if you so choose. What is the difference between inside... Read More

What is Contract Programming? An Alternative to the Conformity of Everyday Employment

What is contract programming, you ask? Well, when companies need specific computer programming expertise, for temporary periods of time, they generally hire a contract programmer or an... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Accepting Judgment

Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even if you are already working, and merely looking to see what else is out there, you still... Read More

Minding Your Own Business

Think you have gone as far as you can in your present job? Instead of looking around for a similar position in another company, you may want... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter, are the master keys to opening the prospective employer's mind and door so that you can proceed... Read More

Little Mistakes That Keep You Unemployed

If your job search is dragging on and on, you might want to look in the mirror. Because the person looking back may be sabotaging your efforts.Do... Read More

50 Things To Do To Your Boss That Are Fun For You, But Not For Them

1. You're eavesdropping and you hear your boss has reservations at his favorite restaurant. You know, the one you can't afford. Call them back and cancel his... Read More

How to Write Cover Letters That Increase Your Chances of Winning an Interview

Submit a poorly written cover letter and the chances are your resume will end up in the trash bin without even being looked at.On the other hand,... Read More

Ideal Job and Handling Criticism

How many times have you been asked, "What is your dream job?"Even if you document a dream job on paper, will you be happy every day in... 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 a home inspector. You may have even seen the ads that say you can make hundreds of... Read More

How To Write A Resume Cover Letter That Will Get Your Resume Read

A Resume Cover Letter has only one purpose - to stimulate the recipient of your resume to review your resume. This free resume cover letter tutorial assumes... Read More

Resume Formats ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Deciding on a resume format is the first major decision to be made when creating your resume. The overall look of your resume depends on the resume... Read More

Building Performance Trust

You can have outstanding ideas, yet never leverage them into winning at working results. That's because the secret behind those ideas lies in performance. Yours.Getting the okay... Read More

How To Get a Job Offer From Every Interview

About four years ago a friend told me one night that she had an interview the next week and was looking for some comfort as she was... Read More