The NonsenseAtWork Newsletter March 2008

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March 2008

When fear returns, trust takes a vacation

Many unpleasant things can happen during a recession. Here’s one that I hope you won’t promote nor experience. More fear in the workplace.

During an economic upswing workers become scarce and thus more powerful. This means that the boss must put on kidd gloves and make nice with employees.

But during a recession, jobs are scarce and workers lose power. Bosses become more powerful, the gloves come off and fear returns to the work place.

I know, I know. Fear is always present in the workplace. Only the degree varies. After all, being able to inspire fear has always been a useful management tool. (For some reason, this skill has gone underground of late in favor of concepts like emotional intelligence and coaching. And yet, as we all know, there are times when a good crack of the whip can work wonders. Ask me. I’m self-employed and some days I could do with a bit of the stick myself.)

Where was I? Oh yes, the return of fear. What happens when fear returns to the workplace? That’s right. Trust takes a vacation. Don’t let it.

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.

Is that where you want your people to spend their time and energy during this (maybe) recession? I think not.

This is the time for you to be brave. Not so much because of the recession stalking out there, but because trust is dangerous. It involves risk, the risk that you could lose whatever it is you entrust to others.

Trust requires that you accept the risks and make yourself vulnerable on purpose. And your purpose is to secure specific future outcomes or behaviors from those you trust.

Here’s the rub. A time lag exists between when you extend your trust and when you experience the anticipated outcome or behavior. And because of the time-lag, doubt creeps in.

Don’t let it.

If you have enough reason to trust someone to do as expected when expected, then trust them. Then let them be and let them get on with it. Don’t second-guess, don’t expect the worst, don’t interfere.

You made yourself vulnerable for a reason. Now be brave, don’t doubt and keep fear out of it.

And, as economists would ask, on the other hand? On the other hand, keep that stick handy. You never know.

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