about building trust and giving trust
We frequently talk about trust as in "we have to build trust." If I had to sum up Chris Brogan and Julien Smith's book Trust Agents I'd say they give tips on how to become versed in using what the web has to offer to build trust within today's consumer culture (where consumers are cynical, informed and savvy).
Where does giving trust stand?
Once in a while I work with a client who demands that I get "more involved" with my team in the minute tactical details of a marketing campaign to "make sure we deliver on time." Generally I would try to verify if there is true reason for concern. More often than not, the request comes out of lack of trust than any real evidence that an initiative may be endangered.
I think it's fairly damaging to a project or to a relationship to step into it with lack of trust. After all, one should not hire another if there isn't a chance of trust. Lack of trust leads to wasted time, disengaged team members, misunderstandings, unnecessary checking, and overseeing, and hand-holding, and many other possible complications. Lack of trust then leads to increased project costs, and reduced profitability.
I have to trust that people on my team, or the people I work with will do their jobs well. If they don't they're allowed to fail, deal with the consequences and learn from it. But generally when we give trust we receive trust, commitment and the best level of work one can deliver. Even if we are disappointed once in a while we win big most of the time by giving trust. It's like investing in a diversified portfolio. Some of the investments may fail but those which win big will make up for all the other little failures. Similarly, in business giving trust = strong people network and more net $$$s. Lack of trust = weak people network and less $$$s.
To me the choice is simple, I'll go with giving trust not just building trust.
