I have 5 things to say about Trust and it's Important. Really! Trust me!

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” 

― Ernest Hemingway

1: I work for and with People I Trust

I remembered my interview with GE's Steve Kerr. Steve said he would never ask me to go against my values. I believe every word he said and I knew if he made me an offer I would jump at the chance of working with him. - I trust him.

I want the same thing many others wish for - growth momentum, money and the autonomy to make a difference. But none of this will come to pass if I work for someone I don't trust and who does not trust me.

Have I misplaced trust before? Yes, more times than I can remember! The brain can trust people because they sound credible. Researchers also reveal that "Whom we trust is not only a reflection of who is trustworthy but also a reflection of who we are”.

Will I continue to give trust? Yes because the benefits of trusting outweigh the cost of misplaced trust. I give trust after I answered two questions - how much trust to give and can I bear the cost of misplaced trust.

Notably, the more I learn to trust others, the better I get at deciding whom I should trust. You too can get better at this. Trust me.

2: I work for People who Trust me

I used to spend 20 days a month travelling. Typically, I would leave on a Sunday evening and return on Friday night. It was exhausting and took a toll on me.

I spoke to my boss, Steve, about travelling in business class. This is sensitive as the company watch cost closely. But the company also took care of people.

As a VP of the company, he was entitled to travel in first class but the idea of paying so much more did not sit well for him. So sometimes he would fly economy. He continued, "But I don't have your gruelling schedule and we are lucky to have you give so much to get the job done. Send over what you think makes sense. I trust your judgement." He signed off everything I proposed.

When someone trusts you, they don't ask for all the details before they let go.

When someone trusts you, you work hard to deserve it, always.

3: I hire People I Trust

"I never trust someone I just hired. Trust has to be earned."

When I read this my first thought was why would you hire a person you don't trust? And why would anyone trust you if you don't trust them?

On her second day of work, the new staff asked to take leave for a family vacation. It was important to her dad. I told her to take the time she needs.

I hire people I trust.

So if she said it's important, then it's important.

Once I give trust, it's yours to keep or lose.

4: I Don't Trust People who Can't Say Sorry

"I don't like my language teacher." My little one complained. "She never believes I practice orals at home. So she checks my bag in front of everyone to see if I have my oral sheets. And when she found it, she didn't say sorry."

It's tough when someone in authority doesn't trust you. Worse when they demonstrate distrust publicly. And when suspicion proves unfounded, they don't say sorry.

This happens at work too. Notably, the smarter and more senior the bosses, the harder to utter sorry, the easier to offer a plausible explanation.

I don't trust people who can't say sorry. They don't own up to their mistakes. So they can't learn and are likely to repeat again and again not just mistakes but also dishonesty. I may overlook the former but the latter I find harder to stomach.

5: How do I know I am Trusted?

When others put their well being in my discretion and abilities. Like sharing personal information and asking me to lead projects that can impact their careers significantly.

To earn this trust, I have to consistently do 2 things

1.Say what you'll do and do what you said. Keep your commitments but if you miss it, then acknowledge and work hard to make amends.

2. Do what is right, not what you are told. If that means telling your big boss to stand down, say it.

Over time, one will grow a reputation for being trustworthy which become the backbone of one's professional and personal reputation.