Back to visit the topic of trust and the value of trust as an enabler of success. (we touched on this is a recent blog ‘The number 1 covert success tool’).
Many people, if not most people view trust as an intangible quality that is difficult to conceptualise.
However, a body of research captured by Stephen M.R. Covey in the book “The Speed of Trust” identifies 13 observable behavioural components that comprise trust.
So what are they? Pretty simple really!
Talk Straight (Say things as they are and don’t “beat around the bush” and “spin” the truth)
Demonstrate respect (for others and their roles)
Create transparency (what you see is what you get)
Right wrongs (apologise and admit mistakes)
Show loyalty (stick by your mates and avoid gossiping)
Deliver results (you’re not just busy, you get actual results)
Seek improvement (display a genuine desire to improve)
Confront reality (have the tough conversations)
Clarify expectations (make sure that your messages and intentions are understood)
Practice accountability (hold yourself accountable for your actions)
Good listening (listen and seek to understand other people’s viewpoints)
Keep commitments (do what you say you’re going to do)
Extend trust (be prepared to trust others)
So how can you apply these to use for your own personal development?
How about starting by looking at this list as a personal growth tool, a checklist if you like. Start by going through each point and identifying your strengths and then your areas of improvement.
What are the trust behaviours where you feel you are not so strong at and challenge yourself on seeking to find the underling reason or the limiting belief that may be driving this reduced trust behaviour. For example point 4 ‘Right Wrongs’ if this is an area of improvement and you struggle to admit mistakes could this possibly be because you have a belief that making a mistake means you failed? Or you are weak? If so then try to challenge that belief and way of thinking to something like ‘By admitting mistakes I earn respect from others and also learn to find solutions and new ways of doing things which in turn will result in success the next time around and a sense of success equals a sense of accomplishment. Make sense? ‘Right Wrongs’ shows a strong and honest character.
Another example which many people struggle with “confront reality” and the main reason being that they carry a belief that another person will be offended if they give that person some corrective feedback. However, if delivered in the proposer context and a respectful, well intentioned manner, the feedback will most likely be accepted in an appreciative manner.
I can guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised as to how much more influential and successful you’ll be in your life when you’re able to model the embody the essence of the 13 trust behaviours! and to top it off you will also feel fulfilment within yourself being a trustworthy individual!
Your checklist time starts…NOW!
Wayne