#6 Building Trust: Beyond Roles to Real Relationships

Rumination

We trust people, not things. Yet in the corporate labyrinth of spreadsheets and targets, it's easy to perceive individuals merely as roles or even replaceable cogs. This mindset inevitably changes our interactions. We risk sidelining our humanity, and in doing so, genuine connection fades. Trust isn't about tactical moves or strategies; it's about acknowledging others as fellow human beings, not tools in our game plan.

Invitation

Humanity First: Beyond 'Its' to Genuine Meetings

Every interaction is a chance to truly 'meet' someone. Martin Buber's "I and Thou" philosophy resonates here, urging us to view relationships as mutual encounters. It's about seeing beyond the role, the title, the function, and recognising the person. When we make an effort to genuinely understand and engage with the individual beneath the professional facade, that's when trust takes root.

Rise Above the Ranks: Moving Past Hierarchical Dynamics

Organisational hierarchy can sometimes limit our vision. It's easy to get caught in the trap of what Eric Berne described as Parent-to-Child or Child-to-Parent dynamics in his Transactional Analysis, where interactions are skewed by power plays or victimhood. But imagine a workspace where every discussion is Adult-to-Adult, characterised by mutual respect and equality. By elevating our interactions beyond hierarchy, we foster a culture where trust is the norm, not the exception.

The Power of Presence: Deep Listening and Genuine Curiosity

Listening isn't just about being quiet while someone else talks; it's about being truly present and attentive. Simone Weil described attention as the ‘rarest and purest form of generosity’. When was the last time you felt genuinely seen and heard? That feeling is invaluable. Dive deep into conversations with sincere curiosity. Move past the superficialities and tap into the underlying emotions, stories, and aspirations. By actively and empathetically listening, we not only understand better but also build trust.

Inspiration

The world of work is evolving, but what will remain constant? The innate human need for dignity and respect. Some would argue that this has been missing to varying degrees from corporate life, but we are faced with an opportunity now to reimagine how we work together.

When we truly recognise and appreciate the individual personhood of each team member, trust doesn't just grow; it flourishes. At the heart of this transformative trust is a fundamental act of seeing and valuing people for the sacred souls they truly are.

Check out last week's edition on moving beyond work-life balance?here.