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 Issue 5 –Building Trust 

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, ‘Faust’
German dramatist, novelist, poet, scientist, politician (1749-1832)
(What an all-round talented man!)

Building Trust is such a critical part of leadership, which starts with us trusting ourselves, our judgement, our intentions, and our instinct.
An important aspect of our working with leaders is inviting them to identify their values. In the vast majority of cases integrity comes into the top 5. When we start looking at beliefs an interesting picture can start to emerge. A mindset of “they can’t really be trusted”can exist. Many of our organisations operate in a low-trust culture. Have a look at the bureaucracy of ‘covering your back’procedures and think about how you might better use your energy.

If we have integrity it comes through and others will trust us.

This can mean making some tough choices, standing up for what we believe in, speaking out when it might feel safer not to and stepping down when we are in a role in which we no longer feel we can lead with integrity.

I was struck by the recent story of The Rev Julie Nicholson, the vicar whose daughter was killed in the July 7 London bombings. She has decided to step down from her position after she admitted the terrorist attacks made her question her faith. She said she was “attempting to redefine her understanding of the priesthood and insisted her decision was about maintaining her integrity.”

As part of our desire to build trust with prospective clients we are running two Taster Workshops to give you the vita-brevis experience. Find out more about the Taster Workshops here.

Enjoy this read and pass it on to others!

Anne Lonsdale

We are delighted to be welcoming Robert Reid to the Leadership Development Path facilitating team. That’s Robert on the left, standing with Richard Burns and their team celebrating the World Rally Championship in 2001.

Robert spent 13 years CoDriving with Richard Burns in the World Rally Championship. During this period they drove professionally for Subaru, Mitsubishi and Peugeot achieving many successes culminating in winning the World Rally Championship in 2001. Throughout this period their partnership was seen as one of the closest and most professional in the sport.  Robert stopped competing in November 2003 when Richard Burns was taken ill on his way to the last event in the season.  They were leading the World Championship at the time.  Richard was subsequently diagnosed with a brain tumour and Robert spent the next two years helping to care for and support his close friend and colleague.  Sadly Richard died on 25 November 2005 aged 34.

Read Robert’s article on Building Trust.

LEADERSHIP TRUSTWORTHINESS:

How Far Can They Throw You?

Take the Test:  http://www.coachingandmentoring.com/Quiz/trustworthiness.htm

CREDIBILITY is intellectual - TRUST is visceral

Mutual trust is a shared belief that you can depend on each other to achieve a common purpose. To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.

Explore more of these ideas at

http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/relationships_trust.html

5 ACTIONS LEADERS CAN TAKE TO BUILD TRUST

• Solve problems through direct communication with the person involved (not their boss)
  
• Share credit for work well done generously
  
• If you can’t deliver on time, let the stakeholders know
  
• Admit mistakes, be willing to be wrong
  
• Develop and implement systems for teams to evaluate their leaders

FURTHER READING

Building Trust: In Business, Politics, Relationships, and Life
Robert C. Solomon, Fernando Flores
Trust is the essential precondition upon which all real success depends. But what, precisely, is trust? How can it be achieved and sustained? And, most importantly, how can it be regained once it has been broken?  Solomon and Flores offer compelling answers to these questions.  They also look closely at the effects of mistrust, such as insidious office politics that can sabotage a company's efficiency. 

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Issue 6 of Time 2 ...will examine Living with Uncertainty (however we are certain we will get it to you in May!)

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