By Natasha Kwachka
Recently, I was listening to the EntreLeadership podcast, and came across an episode that inspired me: #97: Jack Welch-Winning the Game. The wisdom in this episode provoked a change in perspective that I would like to share.
All teams go through steps to develop trust and understanding on the way to becoming a strong team. In the workplace, it is common to experience disruptions such as conflict, disagreements, process changes, workflow changes, employee changes, etc. These workplace difficulties and constant changes can make it impossible to foster a culture of trust, both between employees on a team, and between all teams that make up your company. How important is a culture built on trust, you ask? Building trust within a company is the only way an organization can reach its highest potential.
Back to the podcast! There was a statement that particularly struck me:
“You receive truth when there is trust.”
I considered some of the difficult conversations that have occurred in my workplace over the years, and reflected on my perception of these exchanges. I came to a real understanding that if any member of your team felt comfortable enough to approach you with a difficult conversation, that must speak volumes of the level of trust you share. It is amazing to consider how my thought process has changed.
I want to work at a place that fosters trust. A team with trust is a team that can reach its highest success. With trust, we are all free to have positive and negative thoughts, as well as useful and maybe-not-so-realistic ideas. Trust allows a company and its team members to communicate effectively and openly through any roadblocks. With trust, we can direct our focus and energies on forward thinking, positive solutions and keeping the passion for our success alive.
