Thought Leaders Unpacked -> Integrity #4: Building Trust Through Connection
Right off the bat we encounter a make-or-break chapter.
“Please don’t make me face the fact that all those production resources out there walking around are distinct human persons.” “You can’t possibly expect me to take into account everyone’s feelings when making complex business decisions.”
I have long suspected that many leaders secretly resent the fact that they can’t do everything themselves and have to rely on others to make things happen.
But the reality these leaders must face is that their teams are, in fact, made up of human persons who function out of inner motivations, personal desires, and their own subjective perceptions. My term for this reality is, “The hard facts of working with people.” People are not the soft side of business in any way, shape, or form!
Here is my key take-away from this chapter: There is a measurable and substantial difference between getting people’s compliance and winning their hearts.
What sort of results are you hoping to obtain? We’re not talking about being liked. We’re talking about getting results. Making a difference. Making things happen. Meeting goals. Achieving great things.
Is learning empathy on your leadership development curriculum? One of your personal goals?
If we cannot relationally or emotionally connect with our team members, we cannot build the trust that sustained, focused, and passionate work efforts require. We undermine our own effectiveness. We sabotage our own results.
What was your main take-away from this chapter? What is your learning edge when it comes to building trust with others?
