So this week I have been writing about Trust. Something that is
so important. If you are a trusted leader people listen to what you
have to say and give it a premium, if they don't trust you they
will discount what you have to say.
It was therefore interesting and slightly amusing in today's
news to see this video. It shows the Czech President possibly
stealing a pen and sneaking into his pocket. The Chilean leader he
was with may possibly tried to help the situation by saying it had
been a gift. Look at the body language and make up your own
mind.
Whether this man was actually stealing the pen or not it was
clear that his mind was not on the task in hand. He is reported to
have a reputation for unusual behaviour. A certain Italian Prime
Minister is also under significant pressure over his behaviour
right now! I wonder why in a research study only 8% of people trust
politicians?
On a serious note, does a leader really want to be a centre of
ridicule? The question to ask is is my own behaviour being
perceived? If you are in a position of power slip up and news
travels fast. Why not be a shining example to others instead?
I often challenge executives on their body language when coming
our of senior meetings. Employees in offices often watch the
leaders as they go in and come out of meetings. If they come out
with heads down, all sorts of reasons fly around the office for it
breeding uncertainty. The reality may been that everyone was just
tired. Then tell people everything is fine and this can also
undermine trust.
For 7 years, I worked for the Confectionery arm of Mars
Incorporated and there was a really important new product under
development. We had been trying to keep it secret when suddenly it
was announced in the press. In the end the trail led to the MD of A
marketing company who had drunk too much at an industry event and
inadvertently shared the details with a journalist. Now who knows
it may have added to awareness of the brand. However, for the MD
who was actually a great guy it was absolutely humiliating and
trust with the marketing department of his most prestigious client
was at an all time low.
Does your behaviour each day add to your own credibility or does
it take away? How do you ensure that your good intentions are
following through into behaviour that helps you become more
successful? Are you a shining light to others? Is your business a
shining light in its sector? How does the consolidated behaviour of
your company help your clients, employees and stakeholders to give
your business a premium?
Have a fabulous day and remember as a leader one of your top
responsibilities should be to build trust. That is if you want to
get things done faster and achieve greater results.
Chris