As a business owner you are always keeping your eye on the bottom line, right? You look at the Balance Sheet to see what your assets and liabilities are.
There is a currency in business that is just as important as money. Can you guess what it is?
It’s Trust.
Your Trust Account balance needs to be as healthy as your bank balance.
The most important person whose trust you must earn is … you. When you don’t trust yourself to lead, why should anyone follow you? If you don’t know or trust what you value, why should anyone else? To be honored with trust from others you must first come to trust yourself.
If you don’t trust yourself, no one else will either.
Does it seem like a strange question to ask if you trust yourself? You would think anyone who has started their own business or risen up to a leadership position in someone else’s business would already find themselves trustworthy.
Yet, that might not be the case for you and certainly for many other leaders. And here’s the thing about trust … trust cannot be claimed. It must be earned.
So, what is trust all about and how do you learn to trust yourself?
According to Stephen Covey, trust functions from two sources: character and competence. Character includes your integrity, values, motivations, and intent with people. Competence includes your capabilities, skills, results, and track record. Trust requires both.
Here are some of the building blocks of trust in yourself
- Influence – ability to move others to action through knowledge and authenticity; consistency
- Focus on Others – creating relationships that make people feel seen, heard, and valued
- Impact – delivering on your promises and being able to make thoughtful decisions
- Credibility – having integrity, clear intent, and capability to deliver results
- Attitude – ability to see the good in people and situations and to reframe things in a positive way
- Self-Confidence – ability to adjust while remaining congruent with your values; willingness to bestow trust of others.
The first deposit in your trust bank should be your trust in yourself. Consider this the principal investment in your account that should be protected and maintained regardless of external circumstances. With this foundation secured, you are ready to start building up your trust balance with trust from your team, your colleagues, your customers, and your family.
When you have a healthy balance in your Trust Account, you can make critical decisions and create the team that makes your business easier, simpler, and more profitable. Build up that Trust Account balance and watch yourself grow.
Blessings.
Chris Ann Williams, CEO