Ever try to coach someone who didn’t trust you? How far did that get? How about when someone you didn’t trust tried to coach you? Felt awful right?
As Stephen Covey says “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the founding principle that holds all relationships.”
When I think about a person who I trust at work, I think about my colleague Michael who I had the pleasure of working with in the same department, leading different divisions of products for 7 long years.
Here are the reasons why I trust him and why anybody who works with you would trust you:
Intention
Not only did Michael and I compete for our boss’ time and the company’s resources for our respective divisions but there were many other possible reasons for conflict. Despite that, I always knew Michael’s intention was to help and collaborate, no matter what the consequence to himself. I knew that Michael would always choose to help make my life easier where possible.
Respect
Whether in personal life or at work, Michael always asked for permission. Permission to talk, to have a meeting, to book the boardroom or to take away another common resource. The respect he had for me was also evident when he listened to my opinions or point of view, even if he didn’t agree with me.
Openness
Michael made himself vulnerable to me by sharing his mistakes and fears. His shortcomings and headaches. I felt that I could do the same with him.
Communication
Michael spoke to me always from a neutral, non judgemental stance. I felt safe with him and still do to this day, no matter what the topic of discussion is.
Trust is the culmination of these factors I’ve outlined above and even though Michael and I never coached one another, he is my shining example of how to build trust in a relationship.
Take the steps now to move your relationships towards trust and feel the power of transforming your results through higher trust.
With kindness as always,
Chala
Related articles
- The Five Faces of Mistrust in a Team (coachtactics.wordpress.com)
- The Coach Manager (coachtactics.wordpress.com)
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