We have begun our class, Developing Emotional Self-Awareness”. Our first class was Thursday evening, and from the reaction, participants are enjoying themselves. The next few blogs will relate to the material we are covering in class.
The issue of trust is an essential element in self-awareness development. Trust is defined as the feeling or sense of confidence in the intent, behavior and ability in ourselves or others to completely fulfill expectations regarding certain standards of performance. High levels of trust bring integrity, solid relationships, effective communication, high productivity, increased satisfaction and excellent camaraderie with colleagues and friends.
If we lack the self-awareness to be fully congruent in our beliefs, behaviors, expectations and perceptions, developing a trusting relationship isn’t likely to happen. And without a trusting relationship, no one will provide us the feedback we need to fully develop our self-awareness. Thus, we have a self-defeating loop that is guaranteed to lead us toward frustration and failure.
A perfect example of that frustration and failure is showing up in the drama President Trump is creating, along with Congress and the press. While Mr. Trump demands unwavering loyalty from his associates, he certainly feels little compulsion to return the favor. He has openly attacked and insulted his Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, U.S. Senators John McCain and Mitch McConnell, The Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and countless other Representatives, Senators, administration heads and members of his own staff. And while he receives the bulk of the negative press, Congress – Democrats and Republicans – deserve their fair share of blame for gridlock. The press reports volumes about the drama, with varied biased slants as to meaning and culprits.
Several news commentators, in reporting on conversations they had with veteran government officials, stated that someone in President Trump’s position needs credibility, trust and alliances if he is to get anything accomplished in Washington D.C. It appears Mr. Trump is going out of his way to fracture the support he will need to be successful in his position. Who wants to “go to the matt” on behalf of a policy President Trump favors, only to be assured of attack and rebuke from the President if things don’t turn out very well. But is he the only one to call out for childish behaviors? Hardly!
Stephen M.R. Covey in his book, “The Speed of Trust”, mentions thirteen specific behaviors that inspire and support trusting relationships. As I reviewed these thirteen behaviors again in writing this blog, virtually all the political players appear to be violating most of them.
Someone once said that low trust relationships are like a heavy tax that nobody is aware of, is levied on every transaction and has not a single beneficial purpose. Indicators of low trust relationships include an excess of lawyers, litigation, distrust, political intrigue, resentments and dishonesty.
A wonderful example of a refreshing high trust relationship was displayed when Warren Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway concluded the purchase of a $23 billion subsidiary of Walmart. Normally, the due diligence costs of a transaction of this size run into millions of dollars, not including the cost of purchase agreements and closing documents. Because both parties knew the high integrity of each other, the transaction was closed in thirty minutes with a handshake. Many millions of dollars were saved in completing the transaction, not to mention how smoothly the transition and integration of the new subsidiary into the Berkshire Hathaway culture occurred.
People crave high trust relationships, and not surprisingly, the most admired and influential people in our society are those who are exceptionally trustworthy. When I ask, “Who are your hero’s?”, as you run though a list of qualifying attributes, I’m betting “trustworthy” is among them.
How can you get started in expanding the development of your self-awareness and sense of self-trust? A good first step might be to enroll in our online course, Exploring the Fundamentals of Self-awareness. This is an easy, enjoyable and inexpensive way to begin making headway in your understanding and comfort with your own self-awareness.
Please visit this link to enroll
Thomas G. Searcy, BBC
Spirit of Eagles
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