#164: Why mutual trust matters

Before you hire your next employee, be clear on what you can and cannot train. Certain desirable attributes just cannot be trained. They must be part of the employee from day one.

Trust is one of those attributes. The ability to trust is critical in any organization, even in a criminal gang. Here’s why.

When you don’t trust your colleagues, whether boss, co-worker or subordinate, where do you spend your time and energy? That’s right. You spend time and energy worrying about what they’re doing, saying or thinking. You constantly read between the lines, look for hidden agendas and plan for negative outcomes.

When you don’t see the need for mutual trust and when you don’t see your internal struggles as odd behavior, then you have become what Carl Jung called the enemy within.

And you will remain the enemy within as long as you spend your time and energy away from doing your job keeping the customers satisfied.


I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com

Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh

James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
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