Jeanette Gellard

While the story may be perceived to be a little outdated in its style, the value of building trust remains as important in 2020 as it did in the Brothers Grimm’s age of writing.
Trust is built on a range of repeatable behaviours. At the core these are about replicating consistency, transparency, generosity, and reliability.  
Trust is about demonstrating competency and commitment and connection.
These ‘ground’ rules can be translated into the workplace through the intentional creation of:

• open and clear processes,
• a willingness to be benevolent,
• finding common ground,
• creating a sharing culture,
• applying a lens of curiosity to situations and
• consistency in behaviour and action.

Like our ‘simple fellow’; trust is most effective when it is uncomplicated and obvious, and is supported by a positive reputation. Trust is strengthened when a person’s vulnerability is protected and nurtured by another.  When people see these actions in others, even if they do not articulate them per se, their trust quotient in the person and process increases.
Trust is inherently about consistent, transparent and open behaviour and without it, your chances of obtaining the golden goose are much diminished.
 
Like what you are reading?
Reach out to the authors Leanne and Jeanette for more information on how we can support you and your teams.

More and more, engagement is a promise about the level of involvement in decision making on offer. Being clear about that promise is often the most difficult aspect of engagement. Your promise might be to share information about a decision already made. It may extend to empowering others to make a decision. No matter your intentions, honesty up front, saves a tonne of heartache anguish down the track.

Engagement is important to everyone. Governments, organisations, communities. Collaboration around decision making builds stronger and more sustainable societies. With more voices and perspectives heard, decisions will be more robust and enduring.

Whichever definition you prefer, it's clear that 'engagement' has an outcome in mind. It is never an end in itself. At the very least it can build better relationships with communities and stakeholders.
 
Your attitude and approach to engagement helps achieve that outcome. It can determine whether you are keeping a promise or preparing for war.

Promise or battle? It's always your choice.

Like what you are reading?
Reach out to the authors Jeanette and  Leanne for more information on how we can support you and your teams.