Trust and Credibility
Why do some projects falls short, while others soar to great success? Why are some business relationships tainted with conflict, while others are smooth, fun, easy, and profitable?
According to Stephen N.B. Covey- it’s all about TRUST.
In his most recent book, The Speed of Trust, Covey builds a strong case for TRUST as the number one leadership competency in today’s organizations and positions TRUST as a key economic driver in the new economy.
When you choose to do business with someone, what do you base your decision on? Most likely it’s that gut feeling- your intuition, that says YES. I trust this person.
Trust is about (1) credibility (who you are), (2) character (your behavior). True character is doing the right thing when no one is looking, and (3) competence: skills, knowledge, ability to produce results.
Building high trust requires:
- Talking straight
- Showing respect
- Keeping Commitments- Do What you Say! Walk Your Talk!
- Having an open, transparent agenda (not a personal (WIIFM) what’s in it for me, agenda),
- Clear communication that clarifies goals and expectations.
- Motive and intent of care and service- this builds loyal customers, repeat clients, referrals and a motivated team!
In high trust environments, communicate is clear, processes are smooth, flexible, and fast; change is natural, results are extraordinary.
Seems pretty simple and straightforward. So why is it so difficult for some to build trust and credibility? Normally, it’s because one is not clear on their values and what they stand for, and thus out of alignment with their personal integrity.
So, how credible are you?
Here is a short assessment that you can take on line, to determine your trust score (how you see/trust yourself) and credibility score (how others see/trust you)
What was my trust score you may wonder? 88%.
How do I evaluate this? (1) Space to improve and grow, (2) make wrongs, right with sincere apologies and changed behaviors. Next step is to send this out to others to see how they see me. I’ll be doing this in the September issue of Leading Visions to Action. I’m excited and looking forward to the dialogs this will create!
Let’s all give it a try and create more TRUST in the world!!
For more information go to:
Speed of Trust and Who Trusts You
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