(1 minute read)
Trust is a dynamic force that is built through consistent, reliable, and accountable actions, and can be broken in an instant by betrayal or an incident of untrustworthy behaviour.
While trust is built over time in small, everyday interactions requiring intentional efforts, it can be eroded very quickly.
In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey used the ‘Piggy Bank of Trust’, or Emotional Bank Account, as a metaphor for the trust in a relationship that is built through consistent deposits of positive actions and reduced by withdrawals from negative ones.
To build a positive balance we need to make regular deposits, like keeping commitments, displaying integrity when it counts, taking responsibility for any mistakes, actively listening, and demonstrating empathy.
In contrast, withdrawals are made from the trust account when we don’t uphold commitments, lack integrity, or model a disrespect for others.
How to Manage your Trust Account
- Make Deposits in Advance:
Build a strong positive balance through consistent and purposeful deposits.
- Model Sincerity:
If/when you make a withdrawal (a mistake), a sincere and genuine apology can offset a potentially heavy loss.
- Avoid Emotional Overdraft:
If your account balance becomes low, beware that a small withdrawal at this point can put you in “overdraft”.
Consider your relationships (professional and personal) as each having their own ‘trust accounts’.
Do you know the balance of these investments?
Have you made sufficient deposits so that there are enough “funds” to cover the potential withdrawals.
This might just be a good time to reassess your trust account statements!