Trust Across America-Trust Around the World™

Culture does not change because we desire to change it. Culture changes when the organization is transformed – the culture reflects the realities of the people working together every day – Frances Hesselbein

Bob Whipple of LeaderGrow and a member of our Trust Alliance, was kind enough to contribute today’s guest blog post. He tackles the question of how trust is impacted when organizations make major changes.

When organizations make major changes, such as reorganizations, mergers, or acquisitions, the trust that was in the  groups prior to the action is often lost quickly. This happens for a variety of reasons, as I have documented in my book Trust in Transition: Navigating Organizational Change (ASTD Press, 2014)

The success of the entire change process depends on trust—the trust level before integration and the trust maintained during the process. It matters a lot on the conditions going into the action. There are three possible situations as follows:

1. There is high trust within both groups to begin with. This is the best condition because it allows for people to weather the shock of the change, having some faith that things can work out in the end.
2. One group has high trust, but in the other one the culture has been damaged by prior leadership behaviors. The entity with higher trust will usually do better in the negotiation because there is more free flow of information and fewer problems to hide.
3. When both groups have low trust, it becomes extremely difficult to make progress because there is work to be done around all the interpersonal issues at every juncture. If a group has low trust in their own organization before a merger, then there is little hope that they will have more trust in the other group. It becomes a real mess to unscramble.

As the integration unfolds, the level of trust going in to a major change has a lot to do with how successful it will be.  Make sure that you test the level of trust and keep it strong throughout the process for the best result.

Bob Whipple, MBA, CPLP, is a consultant, trainer, speaker, and author in the areas of leadership and trust.  He is the author of: Trust in Transition: Navigating Organizational Change, The Trust Factor: Advanced Leadership for Professionals, Understanding E-Body Language: Building Trust Online, and Leading with Trust is Like Sailing Downwind.  Bob has many years as a senior executive with a Fortune 500 Company and with non-profit organizations.

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.

You can develop good judgement as you do the muscles of your body –

by judicious, daily exercise.

-Grenville Kleiser-

Bob Vanourek of Triple Crown Leadership and a member of our Trust Alliance, was kind enough to contribute today’s guest blog post. Since trust is the cornerstone of all relationships, learning to trust our own judgement becomes essential.

Many folks are reluctant to trust their own judgment. They may feel they should not speak up when some alarm bell is going off in their head for a variety of reasons:

• “It’s not my job to speak up.”
• “I’m not in a position of leadership or authority.”
• “I’m not smart enough on this topic.”
• “I don’t have the experience needed to speak up.”

All these blocks are normal, but we need to learn to trust our own judgment and speak up when it is essential to do so.

Some issues are business related, like pricing or strategy. Indeed, one may need more experience on these subjects before venturing to speak up.

Other issues are values or ethics related, like being honest with a customer, or fudging the numbers in a report at the request of your boss. Here we each must have the courage to speak up, and it helps to have a strong ethical foundation.

Here are four ways to build your ethical foundation so that trusting your judgement becomes second nature.

1. Write down your personal values. They are your moral compass. Here is a link to a free exercise to develop your own personal values: www.triplecrownleadership.com/resources/personalvaluesexercise/
2. Have a small group of trusted advisors with whom you can share ethical dilemmas in confidence and gain their counsel. Under emotional stress, we can easily rationalize our behavior and begin to make ethical mistakes.
3. Have some sanctuary place where you can reflect in solitude. Your inner voice gets shut down in our frenzied world, so find a place to meditate, hike, bike, or just relax where you can use your inner observer.
4. Recognize it takes courage to speak up, even as a voice of one. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the willingness to proceed in the face of fear.

Trust your own judgment on ethical issues. You’ll sleep with a clear conscience.

Bob Vanourek is a former CEO of five companies and the co-author of Triple Crown Leadership: Building Excellent, Ethical, and Enduring Organizations. Bob has been one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business in 2013 and 2014. Contact him through his website: www.triplecrownleadership.com.

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.

“Partnering is the quickest, most effective way to re-engineer a business.”  Curtis E. Sahakian

Karin Hurt of Let’s Grow Leaders and a member of our Trust Alliance, recently shared a PowerPoint presentation on Building Trusted Strategic Partnerships. She was kind enough to allow us to reprint these “12 Keys” in building trust.

12 Keys to Trusted Strategic Partnerships

1. Really understand one another’s business
2. Invest in connecting as human beings beyond the business role
3. Know how you each make money
4. Tell the truth (even when it’s awkward, embarrassing, or could cost you business)
5. Don’t commit to more than you can do well (repeat this one 3 times)
6. Don’t play games… EVER
7. Don’t wine and dine… the best deals are done over chopsticks or a long walk
8. Lose some battles, admit when you’re wrong
9. Let logic prevail, even when contracts are on “your side”
10. Don’t sweat the small stuff
11. Think long-term
12. Reward trusted partnerships with more business/effort

Thank you Karin for helping leaders understand the importance of trust as a business imperative. You can follow Karin on Twitter @LetsGrowLeaders

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.

We value virtue but do not discuss it. The honest bookkeeper, the faithful wife, the earnest scholar get little of our attention compared to the embezzler, the tramp, the cheat.–   John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

Those of us who work in trust know all too well the ABC’s and equations. They are helpful tools, reminders and mnemonics for leaders who have taken the first step- acknowledgement that trust is a business imperative. While we assume broad acceptance of this concept, it’s actually a faulty assumption.

Some recent conversations have lead to a startling realization. When it comes to trust, most leaders haven’t even learned the basic language. We assume they have mastered their ABC’s,  grasping the value of trust as a “hard” business metric, but realistically, the word “trust” has never even crossed their minds, at least not as it relates to their leadership strategy.

It’s been proven time and again, and by multiple sources, that the most trustworthy organizations are run by trustworthy leaders and the rewards are immense and tangible. I wrote about this in a recent blog post called Trust & the Blinder Effect at the Top.

So what will it take? I assert that it will require a global awareness campaign, reinforcing the multiple benefits of high trust leadership and high trust organizations. At Trust Across America-Trust Around the World, we began this campaign over five years ago, and it has been growing. Is trust important to you? Would you like to join us?

Very shortly, we will be announcing a new initiative for November, but in the meantime, these are just a few quick ideas:

• If you are a leader, consider what role trust plays in your organization. Our free Leader’s Survey may be helpful.
• If you know someone who is a leader, ask them what role trust plays in theirs, or share the link above with them.
• Read a book on organizational trust and buy one for a colleague. You will find many ideas in our Reading Room.
• Join a regional trust group by joining our Alliance.
• Take advantage of all the free resources on our website.
• Email us at barbara@trustacrossamerica.com and we will direct you to an expert to assist you if we can’t.

Today’s blog post is somewhat of a rant, but it contains a trust message. It’s about a call I received yesterday.

The conversation went something like this:

Him: Hi, it’s your buddy John Smith conference organizer. Trust Across America-Trust Around the World was kind enough to offer us a panel discussion of trust experts for our upcoming conference, but we decided to pass.

(Side Note: Several months ago this same group declined our panel of experts, but DID choose to use our idea and assemble their own panel on the topic of “trust.” The brochure description has little to do with the subject of trust itself, nor are any of the panelists experts, but hey,”trust” is a cool buzzword.)

Back to the conversation:

Him: Anyway, I have an even better offer for you. I would like you to come speak. Our speakers usually pay $10,000, but you can speak for $2500. We’ll even throw in free admission to the conference, and a dinner. And you can bring some books to sell.

Me: Huh? You want me to pay you for the “privilege” of  speaking at your event? I won’t pay to speak.

Him: Okay thanks, and take care.

Tell me you can’t pay me but don’t ask me to pay you. It’s not only insulting but speaks volumes about the “quality” of your conference. If I were an attendee, I would want to know, in advance of registering, how many of your speakers were paying to peddle their wares.

If you are a conference organizer and this is your business model, you are shooting yourself in the foot, from a quality perspective, and I’m about to tell you why.

Earlier this week I was asked to speak (without having to write out a check) at another conference next summer. I respectfully declined because I did not think I was the right person for this engagement, but offered up the names of several folks who are members of our Alliance, and who have the expertise to do an outstanding job. But first I checked in with these people to make sure they were available. Most of them wanted more information about the “quality” of the conference and the conference host. They have learned from past experience. They won’t compromise their integrity, nor will they agree to speak without a quality assurance. They certainly won’t pay.

This practice is becoming the industry “norm,” at many conferences.  Remember the expression about “getting what you pay for?” The conference organizer may be maximizing short-term profits, but they are failing to build the “right” long-term relationships. It’s what I call a long-term “lose/lose” and it certainly compromises the quality of the conference, and the reputation of the organization itself.

Too me, this business model is a trust-buster.

Enough said. What do you think?

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.

                                                                                                  Coming Soon!

Should you wish to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com

Copyright © 2014, Next Decade, Inc.

This week as I was preparing our upcoming calendar of events, I took some time to reflect on the progress we have made at Trust Across America-Trust Around the World.

What began as a conversation at the breakfast table in 2009 has since grown into a global, cross-functional social movement, whose mission is to help organizations build trust. Our website has become the leading “go to” global source of information on trust.

What do we have planned for the remainder of the year?

October 1: Top Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business nomination period opens to the public: Recognizing global leaders who are inspiring others to place trust in the center of how organizations do business. This is our fifth year administering this program which has grown in both prestige and global awareness.

Late October: Publication of the inaugural edition of TRUST! The Magazine with a theme of:

Values to Value: Financial Institutions That Are Changing the Way Business is Done 

November 17-24: Join us as we celebrate TrustGiving ™, the first week long celebration of trust.

November 24: The publication of the 3rd book in our award-winning series:

TRUST INC., 52 Weeks of Activities and Inspirations for Building Workplace Trust.

December 2014: Our Alliance of Trustworthy Business Experts celebrates its second anniversary. We have grown from 25 founding members to a thriving organization with top thought leadership from around the world.

I want to extend a huge “thank you” and virtual “hug” to all who have freely given their time, advice, support and good wishes over the past five years, and who have encouraged me (in the words of Eddie Kendricks) to  “keep on truckin’.” 

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.

                                                                                                  Coming Soon!

Should you wish to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com

Copyright © 2014, Next Decade, Inc.

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Clarke in the UK. Michelle is the organizer of the Global Trust Conference, which completed its second annual event just yesterday. I was lucky enough to virtually attend the conference, and to catch Stephen M.R. Covey delivering a great speech, packed with insight and advice. Stephen wrote the cover quote for our award-winning book TRUST Inc. and also contributed an essay.

I took notes and am happy to provide some highlights in today’s blog post.

What are the three most important facts about trust?

• Trust is an economic driver
• Trust is the #1 competency of leadership
• Trust is a learnable competency.

Think about a person you work with who you trust and consider the positive outcomes of that relationship.

Now think about a person you work with who you don’t trust and the lost opportunities as a result.

Trust=Confidence while Distrust=Suspicion

Confidence requires both character and competence.

Trust is Reciprocal

When you give trust, you receive it in return.

Trust is Not about Coordination

Trust is about collaboration, partnering and teamwork.

Energy and Joy

When trust goes down, energy and joy do too.

Four Cornerstones of Credibility

• Integrity (character)
• Intent (motive/agenda)
• Capability (are you relevant?)
• Results (your past and current performance)

Talk Straight

Candor is the language of trust. Never use spin.

Leaders Extend Trust

• The first job of a leader is to INSPIRE TRUST
• The second job of a leader is to EXTEND TRUST

And finally…. the starting place for trust is self-trust.

Thank you Michelle and Stephen. As I like to say, “It will take a tribe to push the trust boulder up the hill, but together we can.”

Would you like to help Stephen, Michelle and me in pushing that BIG boulder? Join our Alliance of Trustworthy Business Experts today.

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.

                                                                                                  Coming Soon!

Should you wish to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com

Copyright © 2014, Next Decade, Inc.

In business, it’s easy to just show up.

• Show up at a lunch
• Show up at a conference
• Show up at a meeting
• Show up at a webinar
• Pay your annual dues

And then leave….

The outcome of showing up is usually little ventured, and probably little gained. And then we move on to the next lunch, conference, meeting or webinar.

It’s much more difficult to be involved in the planning.

Because involvement in the planning requires a commitment:

• Of time
• Of thought
• Of teamwork

But it’s the participation in the planning stage that builds the trust. In planning, we engage with others who are working towards a common goal…. a positive outcome. And this is how trust is built. And trustworthy relationships lead to new business. They also take time to develop.

It’s your choice. Maintain your independence, show up and then leave. Get involved in the planning and build trust. Make the investment and the payoff may surprise you.

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.

                                                                                                       Coming Soon!

Should you wish to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com

Copyright © 2014, Next Decade, Inc.

A recent conversation with Doug Turner, one of our Trust Alliance members, ended with him sharing this photo he had taken.

 What a statement about society’s view of trust or distrust!

We all agree that society clearly requires trust in order to function. So who decided that signage like this was the “right” way to build that trust? What positive trust message is the reader of this sign expected to take away?

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.

                                                                                                Coming Soon!

Should you wish to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com

Copyright © 2014, Next Decade, Inc.