The concept of trust is on our radar these days for a few different reasons. For one: in a recent client satisfaction survey at Johnson Bixby, the word ‘trust’ came up 27 times. That clients trust us with their goals and finances is paramount to our business success. We know this is also true in our work at Integrated Tax Services – when clients come to us for tax planning and preparation, they trust us with their most personal information.
The topic of trust is also hot for another reason: our executive leadership team has been reading Stephen M. Covey’s business book on trust. Why? Because trust is everything when it comes to our relationships, happiness and success.
Why We’re Talking About Trust
In our journey to cultivate a vibrant and dynamic workplace, trust is a recurring theme. It’s the glue that holds our values together and makes our culture of symbiosis possible. By emphasizing trust, starting with trusting ourselves, we reinforce our commitment to creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our clients’ success and our collective success.
What Trust Means to Organizations
Trust is a fundamental aspect of any thriving organization. It’s the cornerstone of effective teamwork and collaboration. It fosters a positive work environment where individuals feel valued and respected. When trust is present, it leads to higher productivity, more creative thinking and solutions, and improved satisfaction at work. Furthermore, trust reduces the friction in daily interactions, allowing our teams to focus on achieving goals rather than navigating interpersonal snags or uncertainties.
The Core Components of Trust
Stephen M. Covey is renowned for his work on leadership and personal development, and he defines trust as a combination of character and competence:
- Character: This includes integrity, motive, and intent with people. Character is about being honest, consistent, and ethical. It involves doing the right thing even when it’s difficult and treating others with respect and fairness.
- Competence: This encompasses capabilities, skills, results, and track record. Competence is about having the necessary abilities to achieve results and demonstrating reliability and expertise in one’s field.
Covey emphasizes that trust is the foundation of all successful relationships and organizations. In essence, he suggests trust is both a tangible and intangible asset that drives efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction in personal and professional relationships.
An Insider’s Look at How Trust Shows Up in Our Values
Building Connection
Building connection is all about forming strong, meaningful relationships. Trust is the bedrock of these connections. When we trust each other, we can communicate openly and collaborate effectively. Trust enables us to understand and support one another, fostering a sense of community and belonging within our company.
Bringing Energy
Trust energizes us. When we trust our colleagues, we feel more confident and motivated to bring our best selves to work. This energy is contagious, creating a positive and dynamic atmosphere where we’re inspired to contribute and think big. Speaking of …
Thinking Big
Thinking big requires the courage to take risks and dream beyond the ordinary. Trust provides the safety net that allows us to step out of our comfort zones and pursue bold, ambitious goals. When we trust in our vision and in each other, we truly believe that ‘It’s Possible!’
Practicing Curiosity
Curiosity thrives in an environment of trust. When we trust that our questions and ideas will be welcomed and valued, we feel free to explore new possibilities and challenge the status quo in positive and productive ways. This leads to continuous learning, improvement and growth, both individually and collectively.
Staying Humble
Humility is closely linked to trust. It involves recognizing our limitations and valuing the contributions of others. When we trust in the capabilities and intentions of our teammates, we are more likely to stay humble, seek feedback, and work collaboratively toward shared success.
Trust in Our Culture of Symbiosis
Our culture of symbiosis is built on the principle of mutual benefit. Trust is essential to this concept. When we trust that our actions and behaviors will be reciprocated with respect and fairness, we create a harmonious and productive work environment. Symbiosis means that we support each other, share knowledge, and celebrate successes together, all underpinned by a foundation of trust.
Trust is a Verb
As we move forward, let’s continue to prioritize trust in all our interactions and endeavors. By doing so, we reinforce our values and strengthen our culture, creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Trust is not just a word; it’s a practice that requires our continuous effort and commitment. Together, let’s build a future rooted in trust, where we can achieve great things and support one another every step of the way.
