08 Feb Trust vs Mistrust exercise
Take a minute right now and think of a person with whom you have a high-trust relationship—perhaps a boss, co-worker, customer, spouse, parent, sibling, child or friend.
1. Describe a high-trust relationship
a) What’s it like?
b) How does it feel?
c) How well do you communicate?
d) How quickly can you get things done?
e) How much do you enjoy this relationship?
Now think of a person with whom you have a low-trust relationship. Again, this person could be anyone at work or at home.
2. Describe a low-trust relationship
a) What’s it like?
b) How does it feel?
c) How is the communication?
d) How quickly can you get things done? Does it flow quickly and freely . . . or do you feel like you’re constantly walking on land mines and being misunderstood? Do you work together to get things done quickly . . . or does it take a disproportionate amount of time and energy to finally reach agreement and execution?
e) Do you enjoy this relationship . . . or do you find it tedious, cumbersome and draining?
The difference between a high- and low-trust relationship is palpable!
“In a high-trust relationship, you can say the wrong thing, and people will still get your meaning. In a low-trust relationship, you can be very measured, even precise, and they’ll still misinterpret you.” – Stephen M.R. Covey
Can you imagine the difference it would make if you were able to increase the amount of it is in the important personal and professional relationships in your life?
Adapted from Stephen M. R. Covey – The Speed of Trust