As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy
Today marks the 100th consecutive daily post on our blog. I’ve covered every trust topic from A to Z and back. I reserved the subject of “gratitude” for the 100th post. I am grateful for many things that others take for granted- health, family, friends, children, food and a roof over my head.
I could not have completed this blog marathon without the support of hundreds of people who have taken the time, over the past six years, to enhance my understanding of the complex subject of trust, primarily as it impacts organizational health. In the past 100 days, many have cheered me on via social media and in emails and notes. Thank you. You have inspired me to keep going.
I am particularly grateful to several people who continue to support the efforts of Trust Across America-Trust Around the World as our global movement expands.
One of my first conversations about organizational trust was with Charlie Green at Trusted Advisor Associates. I knew nothing. He knew (almost) everything about the subject. He gave me two important tidbits of advice early on:
- No two people in the trust business do the same work, contrary to popular belief.
- Just because someone claims to be in the trust business does not make them trustworthy.
He was right about both. Today Charlie and I speak regularly, and the ratio of teacher to student has shifted somewhat. You can follow him on Twitter @CharlesHGreen
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Frank Sonnenberg contacted me one day to ask if there was anything he could do to help Trust Across America get on its feet. I kept waiting for the reciprocal “ask” but it never came. Frank was responsible for assisting in the visioning of our program and for helping to develop the website. He tweets @FSonnenberg
Whenever I have an ethical decision to make, I ask myself, “What would Frank do?”
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Bob Vanourek is a former CEO who is not afraid to tell it like it is. And he always tells the truth. Bob spent many years turning failing companies around and is now very focused on giving back. When I need an honest CEOs perspective, he is the “go to” expert.
Bob has encouraged me to continue to “make the business case for trust,” and many of the past 100 day posts reflect his advice. You can follow him @BobVanourek
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My husband Jordan and my children…
Most of you don’t know that Trust Across America-Trust Around the World originated during a discussion at the breakfast table in the midst of the financial crisis in 2008, and one of my children suggested the name for the program. While Jordan keeps a low profile, he remains involved in the metrics and measurability component of TAA-TAW called the FACTS Framework, which represents the heart and soul of the business case in our programs.
My children have convinced me that there’s a place reserved in heaven for the work I do. Many days, it’s what keeps me going.
So with much gratitude to those mentioned above and to all who have selflessly added value to my understanding of trust, I say “Thank you!” If you enter your name in the Search Box (bottom left corner) on the home page of our website, you may be surprised just how much influence you have had.
I hope you have enjoyed reading our posts and while I may not be blogging daily, you will continue to hear from me.
And finally, Happy Birthday Jordan. The 100th bottle has just been placed on the wall.
Barbara Brooks Kimmel is the Executive Director of Trust Across America-Trust Around the World whose mission is to help organizations build trust. She is also the editor of the award winning TRUST INC. book series. In 2012 Barbara was named “One of 25 Women Changing the World” by Good Business International.
Nominations are now being accepted for Trust Across America-Trust Around the World’s 5th annual Global Top Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business.
Coming Soon!
Should you wish to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com
Copyright © 2014, Next Decade, Inc.
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