Posted by
peripheral on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 11:40:00 AM
From My Perspective - - -
It is difficult to understand gullibility and naiveté that can be
observed about otherwise astute and intelligent people. When listening
to public addresses and discussion, one has a sense there is something
wrong with what is being said - - it just doesn’t sound logical or
reasonable. For instance, a Health Reform Bill that has not been openly
discussed, or publicly read, or voted upon – people are lined up on
either side either for or against it. Then – a deadline is set for the
Congress to vote for it so it can be signed into Law – with the hope
and promise that corrections and amendments will quickly be made to it.
Mind-boggling? Yes! Incredulous? Absolutely! Illogical? Indeed! This is
where the unmitigated gall surfaces as the reality! There is only one
expression that can summarize such activity and behavior – Shameful!
There is an excellent Book Review submitted by David Mays: “The Speed of Trust - The One Thing That Changes Everything
by Stephen M. R. Covey. David Mays review includes these thoughts:
“This book surveys four core constituents of trust: integrity, intent,
capability, and results. All four are needed to engender trust in
relationships, organizations, and society. With trust, everything runs
faster, smoother and cheaper. A lack of trust imposes a "tax" in speed
and costs. Covey outlines 13 steps to see, speak, and behave in ways
that build trust. "The ability to establish, grow, extend, and restore
trust with all stakeholders--customers, business partners, investors,
and coworkers--is the key leadership competency of the new global
economy."
The body of the review includes these thoughts and comments: "Whether
you're on a sports team, in an office or a member of a family, if you
can't trust one another there's going to be trouble", Joe Paterno. The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act is intended to prevent corporate scandals like
WorldCom and Enron. The cost of implementing one part of it is
estimated at $35 billion. This amounts to a huge "tax" resulting from a
loss of trust in corporate institutions. Some leading organizations ask
their employees directly, Do you trust your boss? This may be the most
predictive indicator of team performance…Trust is one of the most
powerful forms of motivation and inspiration. Who trusts you? Trust is
a function of character and competence. Covey deals with five circles,
or waves, of trust: trust in yourself (confidence in ourselves, our
ability to set and achieve goals), in relationships, in organizations,
in the market (your brand reputation), and in society (creating value
for others). Leadership is getting results in a way that inspires
trust. The means are as important as the ends.
The First Wave - Self Trust. The Principle of Credibility The
foundational principle is credibility or believability. Am I
believable? Do I trust myself? And Am I someone others can trust? The
four cores are:
1. Integrity: honesty, integratedness, being congruent inside and out, acting our values and beliefs
2. Intent: our motives, agenda, and resulting behavior
3. Capabilities: talents, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and style
4. Results: our track record, performance, getting the right things done
Core 1--Integrity - Are you congruent? “Rules cannot take the place of character." Alan Greenspan
Core 2--Intent -
What's your agenda? Intent matters. It grows out of character. Examine
your own motives. Am I seeking to bless or impress?
Core 3--Capabilities - Are you relevant? "Our capability to do the task at hand inspires trust in others.”
Core 4--Results - What's your track record? Results make you credible and establish trust.”
The basic goal and commitment for the follower of Jesus Christ is: (a) II Corinthians 8:21, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”, (b) Romans 12:17-18,
“Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is
possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”,
and (c) I Peter 3:16,
“keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously
against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
This is the minimum standard and an important starting point! Consider
these things with me!