I recently attended my Uncle Stan’s 80th birthday in Christchurch.  My cousins of a similar age to me who I had had virtually nothing to do with for over 30 years were there.   I suddenly became aware that we had gone from the usual pleasantries to something much deeper and more meaningful – in about two minutes flat.  The amazing thing was that it was entirely nature and, for us all, safe.  Why?  Could it be more than just a family connection I asked myself?  Tucked away in Stephen Covey’s books is the concept of the trust bank.  We make deposits of trust through our own actions in any relationship.  Sometimes, regrettably, we make withdrawals, but it’s the balance that counts.  There is no visible central banking record to check your balance with anyone – as we practice and work on our trust banks a growing awareness of whether the balance is healthy or not is clear.  In fact, we all know it don’t we?  “I trust her” or “I feel safe with”, “I wouldn’t say too much to him”.  It’s not complicated but unlike the banks and finance companies of the current global crisis, those deposits stay there.  Sometimes for years.  Thanks Cousins!

We can have all the flash leadership theories, smart looking degrees and positions, but where are we without a trust and its close relative safety?  What are you doing to look after your account?

 

 

This might seem like a strange first post (ever for me!) but it’s top of mind from breakfast with a trusted colleague last week.“If you don’t do your dirty work, who is?” she said over breakfast.  We were discussing the implication of those leaders who struggle in difficult times, either personally or organisationally, to deal with the difficult stuff.  As our conversation progressed we both shared experiences of what we agreed can at times feel like the “mire of filth” that sometimes we need to go into to sort problems out. It’s a test of leadership to be able to roll your sleeves up, get down and dirty – there are some things in life we can’t and shouldn’t delegate or farm off.   What are things you as a leader should never delegate? Or, looked at another way as Confucius (551-479 BCE – they were clever counting backwards then) said “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”

Next week I’m off to visit a friend on his dairy farm.  “Bring your gumboots” he said.  Looking forward to the mud!