I am laughing as I address this topic. As the eldest son of an Asian, military family, “squishy” words like “trust” and “love” were less-than common. But in my experience as a father and entrepreneur, there is nothing more transformative than the partnership of love and trust.
Trust allows for open and honest communication, which is crucial in building strong relationships within any relationship, including a company. When employees trust their leaders, they feel more comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This level of trust fosters collaboration and innovation, leading to the creation of new ideas and solutions.
In today's fast-paced business landscape, trust is frequently overlooked or undervalued. CEOs and executives are focused on meeting their goals and targets, sometimes at the expense of trust. They may make quick decisions without fully considering the impact on their employees or the company's long-term success, and not simply out of pure financial greed. The fears and costs are real, allowing certain fight-or-flight responses to kick in. This lack of awareness and resulting lack of trust can lead to a breakdown in communication and collaboration, hindering the company's growth and potential.
As leaders, we must prioritize trust and actively work to cultivate it within our organizations. This starts with us, creating a culture of transparency and open communication. We should encourage our team members to express their opinions and ideas freely, without fear of judgment or backlash. If you find yourself unable to engage this way easily, ask for help yourself. By showing that we value their input and are willing to listen and ask questions, we build trust and foster a sense of belonging.
Additionally, we must lead by example and demonstrate trustworthiness in our actions and decisions. When our employees see that we are honest, reliable, and genuinely invested in their success, they will feel more confident in trusting us. Trust is a reciprocal relationship, first built within ourselves. But it requires effort and consistency to establish and maintain.
If you only remember one snippet of my thoughts on trust, remember this;
You must trust that your value is infinite, absolute, and unchangeable. No force exists that can change this. There is nothing anyone can say under any circumstance that can change this truth.
Incorporating trust into our subconscious thinking is not always easy, especially if we have been conditioned to prioritize self-preservation or short-term gains. In the military, there is always a superior, a path, a mission. When you are the superior, creating the path and the mission, it is crucial that your trust in yourself and your emotional and mental agility. The quickest way to become more experienced in that self-trust is by consciously challenging our fear-based thinking.
Love is another element that can help reprogram our subconscious thinking. Love allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and builds strong bonds within our relationships. When we truly care about the well-being and success of our employees, they feel valued and supported. Easier said than done, no? Again, when our ability to feel and express love is hindered, we need to seek support before seeking to support others. Loyalty and dedication are never a given and can’t possibly grow when our self-love is non-existent.
Integrating love into our leadership approach can be as simple as showing genuine kindness and empathy towards our team members. Taking the time to recognize their hard work, details about their personal lives and achievements, and providing support when they face challenges, can make a significant difference. When we lead with love, we create an environment that encourages personal and professional growth, which ultimately benefits the entire organization.
Once we come to realize the absolute worth of ourselves and our teams, the
second truth seems much easier to grasp: whatever happens, all of this is a learning experience. How we interact with the world and others will always yield some kind of result and, whether positive or negative, there is opportunity for learning.
Overcoming fear-based thinking and incorporating trust and love into our subconscious can lead to a personal and professional fulfillment. Yes, although more of a “soft” topic, trust and love are not optional to achieve the kind of balanced success many of us are seeking. As CEOs and leaders, and as a CEO coach, we must reflect on these lessons and apply them in our own businesses, creating an environment that fosters a culture of safety, empathy and trust for all of us.
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