I get it, we're all smart...

I know a very savvy leader who once started a meeting by saying, "I get it, we're all smart... let's get over it." I found it funny, profound and it set a tone that I had rarely heard before. 

But it isn't always a PUSH in the real world as we all know those people who simply set themselves apart. Why is that? More often than not, somewhere on their list of qualities will be "Trustworthiness"... the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone (or something). 

When you tear away all the formal structure, governance and process of business, you are left with a group of relationships; be it internally among employees or externally with customers. And like all relationships, the best ones are built on a foundation of "trust". As the old African saying goes: 

                      "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." 

We all gravitate to those people that we can "trust" because they do what they say, are honest in their pursuits, and genuine; in the end they get the work done correctly, done on time and as promised. "Trustworthiness" serves a person very well and it is something we should strive for... but here is the thing, it alone will not guarantee a strong business relationship. 

You can go fast with trustworthiness but if you want to go far, you need "Mutual Trustworthiness"; it is the knowledge and belief there will be reciprocity. This will build real relationships and create the "runway needed" to make great things happen. In the end, it becomes important to understand mutual levels of trustworthiness and how they are aligned; some will be evident though action and some will have to be taken on a little bit of faith.   

• As individuals, we should ask ourselves what characteristics make us "Trustworthy".
• As leaders, we should ask what aspects of "Trustworthiness" do we want to foster on our teams.
• Overall we have to ask, "Does Mutual Trustworthiness exist in our business relationships?"

Symbolically, when you shake someone's hand you are saying, "Trust me, I have no weapons", but do you know what else does your handshake should say?  

"Trust me, I will help you go far".

iamgpe

www.gpestratagem.com