Where to Now?

Trust is the interpersonal glue that creates quality working relationships. Trust means there are no hidden agendas, back-stabbing, or gossip. These are all behaviors that undermine the morale and functioning of an organization.

Trust means to live up one's agreements, obligations, and responsibilities--both interpersonal and professional. Whatever it takes! For example, in our organization, Innovations International, as a CEO who travels 50% of the time, trust has to exist among us. Sometimes when the ball is dropped, we have heated conversations. That's infinitely better than passive-aggressive behavior that undermines people and will ultimately extend to customers.

The interesting thing about trust is that you can "feel" it with your metaphysical senses--clairaudience or even telepathy. How many times have you used the expression, "I have a feeling that......" And trusting that feeling you are probably confirmed more often than not. I often use it to make decisions about people who I do business with that claim to embrace collaboration and partnership. Even when the business chips are all aligned, if "gut-trust" is off, it is a no-go!

Trust means that you have surety that your back is covered. If you have someone in your life like that, hold on tight. Fortunately, I have about four people like that in my life, not counting family members. I am very, very fortunate. One of the best tests is if that person is willing to go to the end with you. For example, I find that money is usually one of the best tests for trust--especially when people are hurting.

I have experienced two or three gut-wrenching violations of trust from people I absolutely trusted. In spite of these experiences, I will continue to trust, without the necessity of proof. The number of people I have met of quality far outnumber those who used my back for their own purposes. But I assume that comes with the human experience.

When all is said and done, trusting others is a measure of how much you trust yourself! Trust is probably the most important element that distinguishes collaboration from cooperation. The two are the Grand Canyon apart. If you ain't got trust in the organization as I have described it here, then forget about a Culture of Collaboration. Be satisfied with cooperation as long as you a have profitable operation.

However, sooner or later (more sooner than later), you will have to "do" collaboration to be successful.