TRUST
Predictive vs.
Vulnerability-based
Simply
defined, trust is the belief that someone or something is reliable, honest, and
effective.
We tend to throw
the word around, but what is the true foundation of trust? We are told to trust
others, but how do we go about it, and how do we rebuild when trust is broken?
How can we trust our co-workers when we are all so different, and have endured
our own personal and workplace battles? Our differences can completely change
our views on trust.we are similar in that we have all experienced situations
that have affected trust in a relationship. We can’t help but remember the rainy
days of our past, thus carrying them into our new conditions. Sometimes, even
when the sun is out, we are on standby waiting for the storms. Many call it
baggage, I like to call it an opportunity for growth.
"There
are many reasons teams fail. There's one proven way to help them succeed."
-Patrick
Lencioni
How we go about trusting others is a direct
reflection of the trust we have within ourselves. If you do not trust your own
judgement, actions, and decisions, you will question the motives of others. Trust
can only happen when we are willing to be completely open with each other and ourselves.
In his book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni speaks of predictive based trust and
vulnerability based trust.
Predictive
trust comes naturally with time. It says that you and I have worked together
long enough or have known each other for a certain amount of time that
unsurprisingly we have predictive trust in each other. If I say this, more than
likely you will do that. . This type of trust which stems from consistent
observation is great, but it’s not the kind of trust that builds a great team.
Vulnerability
based trust, as defined by Lencioni, is “the willingness of people on a team to
be vulnerable and human with one another.” When a co-worker says "I don't
know the answer to this," or "I've made a mistake," or "I’m
sorry for what I said to you yesterday, it was uncalled for," you are
experiencing true vulnerability based trust. These interactions should be handled with respect
and great care. When you can be completely honest with your colleagues and the
team knows that everyone is capable of this, incredible things happen. The team
comes together in all their vulnerabilities to work as a unit and turn those weaknesses into strengths. Vulnerability
based trust takes teams to higher levels of greatness, allowing you to gain a
true competitive advantage.
I know, trusting
someone in such a vulnerable way seems easier said than done. Just remember there
is power in reaching that place where there is true confidence among team members that their peers’ intentions are good. When
you know there is no reason to be protective or cautious around each other,
something miraculous happens. Take a moment to imagine a work environment with
complete trust in each other. It’s possible. Getting comfortable with being
transparent and open isn’t as far-fetched as you may think. Team development
programs like The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team will give your team
profound insights into themselves and their colleagues. Learn how to build a great team with the important foundation of trust
and understanding.
Learn more
about The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team