#176: Designed for trust

When trust breaks down, relationships become strained and people fall back on rules and regulations, policies and procedures. Time to play the red-tape blame-game.

This insane behavior is actually encouraged by poor organizational design. Most structures promote trust in systems and procedures above a trust in people.

I know that most leaders and even a few managers will dispute this. Most will insist that they respect and trust their people to do the right thing. I say, ‘look to your actions’. Too often there is a disconnect between what we say and what we do.

At work, what matters most is what you do, not what you say.

Here’s what you can do to create a more effective organization or team: One, reward people who deliver on promises by including them in planning and decision-making.

And two, exclude people who over promise and under deliver.


I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com

Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh

James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
Monday - 7:19am and Saturday - 8:19am