2011 Edelman Trust Barometer - my thoughts

The Edelman Trust Barometer is an annual questionaire that is given to people from around the world to gauge what they think the big issues are as far as business goes.

This is an interesting exercise with some valuable insights.  Self-reflection is more effective when coupled with realistic and constructive feedback compared with the stories that we tell ourselves.

So my thoughts centre around the personal areas of management.  That is

• How do we know that people trust us?
• What behaviors do we exhibit that show that we are trustworthy?
• If you were someone else would you trust you?  If not - why not?

Trust is a huge issue.  The simple fact of being alive means that you are trusting people.  Managing people, business or others wants and desires is no small matter.

Inside vs Outside Work Concerns

People have a life that exists outside of work.  Yes, it's true.

And sometimes when things aren't going well outside of work - those cares and concerns flow over into the workspace.

Taking the time to enquire about how someone is really getting on can mean a lot to that person.  It could be just the energiser they need to get their day off to a great start.

(Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kt/103941053/)

Building Credibility

As a manager one of the primary tasks is to create and maintain credibility.  Credibility is defined as the following -

1 : the quality or power of inspiring belief

2 : capacity for belief

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credibility)

So what does credibility mean in the workplace?  What does it mean for a manager?  Here are three visible ways that a lot of people use to asses credibility.

1. How you look.  First impressions last and the way you look is what people notice first.  Dress for the occasion and always be one step above of those you employ or teach.
2. What you say.  When you are a manager people take notice of what comes out of your mouth and they generally tend not to forget as readily either. 
3. What you do.  Actions speak louder than words.  Creating small wins and stringing them together into big wins gives you credibility.  Start small and work your way up. 

In order to have credibility it is important to ensure that how you look and what you say match with what you do and ultimately express who you are.

(Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/annagaycoan/3573201505/)