CREATE: T=Trust

“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost,

When health is lost, something is lost.

When character is lost, all is lost.”

Billy Graham

Trust is defined as “a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.” Trust is both given and received.

“Trust is both a cause and an effect of a company culture.” (Yammer, 2012)

Employers want to be able to count on people to do the things they say they will do. And, the reverse is true. Employers want to trust that their employees are honorable, trustworthy and accountable. Trust means that “I am who I am no matter where I am or who I am with.” Your deeds and actions match up with your words. What you do and say are the same—they match up.

LACK OF TRUST? STRESSFUL?

There may be no greater cause of stress than a lack of trust! Unbelievable stress develops if the employer doesn’t know that (1) people are doing what they are supposed to do; (2) people are handling customers in the best possible manner; (3) monies are being properly and ethically managed; or if correct information and data is being entered, transferred, and/or submitted. And etc.

Oftentimes the employer is in a separate location or a separate part of an office when business is transpiring. They can’t take their attention off of their business at hand—their own responsibilities to make sure things are being done properly. And, besides, they don’t want to micromanage, nor do employees want to be micromanaged.

That’s where trust comes in.

In a workplace that is based on integrity, the owners and employees have nothing to hide. There is openness and disclosure. The values that are the backbone of the company are evident to all who work there and/or to all clients. The integrity of the company is not about “what we do” but rather “who we are” and who we are” determines “what we do”. (Covey, 1989) Our conduct mirrors our beliefs and values. Trust is created in an environment that stands on this truth.

INTEGRITY:

• Has high influence value.
• Facilitates high standards.
• Results in a solid reputation, not just image.
• Living it before leading others.
• A hard won achievement.
• Builds trust.

“If my people understand me, I’ll get their attention. If my people trust me, I’ll get their action.” – Cavett Roberts

Be on the side of your employees. Be a protagonist. Happiness in the workplace is possible. When you build people up by creating an environment of trust.