Trust: The Cornerstone of Human Relationships

Trust is the foundation of our society; from colleagues to politicians to friends and family, trust is what enables us to build relationships, share ideas and grow. In the business world it serves as a catalyst for accelerating performance and influencing outcomes, this concept is best explained by Stephen R. Covey in his book ‘The Speed of Trust.’

Trust typically affects business in 3 main ways:

1. Internally between employees and leadership
2. Externally with the public
3. With consumers and your brand

In the context of business, trust is a crucial element that underpins success. Leaders play a pivotal role in creating high-trust cultures, as their ability to extend trust to others sets the tone for the entire organisation.

Let’s explore each facet of this trust triangle and how nurturing it can lead to a thriving organisation.

Internal Trust: The Foundation

A strong foundation of trust between employees and leadership is essential. This means fostering open communication, transparency in decision-making, and a commitment to employee wellbeing. When employees feel valued, respected and empowered, they’re more likely to be engaged, productive and loyal.

Public Trust: The Bridge

Building trust with the public extends beyond simply offering a good product or service. Companies need to build trust with governments, international bodies and auditors. Public trust is founded on your reputation but can be destroyed almost instantly in a crisis where poor decisions are made. Trust and strong internal values are key to protecting your trust publicly.

Consumer Brand Trust: The Pinnacle

Consumer trust is the ultimate validation of your efforts. When consumers believe in your brand, they’re more likely to become loyal customers and advocates. Consistent customer experience and customer service are key to creating that link with consumers.

Trust is complex. A delicate balance between emotions and logic is the cornerstone of clear and transparent communication. Trust requires deliberate efforts to cultivate, preserve and restore. By recognising the profound impact of trust, individuals and organisations can forge stronger, more resilient connections between each other, the public and their customers.

“You can ignore the principles that govern trust – but they will not ignore you”

Stephen R. Covey, author of “The Speed of Trust”

On October 10th, 2024 Murray is bringing together senior executives from companies such as Microsoft, Korn Ferry and Iceland to discuss and offer practical advice on how to build ‘high trust organisations.’

The day will be opened by Tim Threipland, a leadership director from Franklin Covey, who will cover the meaning of trust within the commercial environment and ways of measuring it with real-life examples.

Join us at the Kia Oval, London, where a fantastic line up of speakers as industry experts delve into fostering trust within your organisation, leading to a more engaged workforce, a positive public image, and a brand that consumers can truly rely on.