Trust first
You know that feeling when someone believes in you before you've proven yourself? It's pretty powerful, right? Well, that's what "trust first" is all about.
I learned this lesson the hard way. Early in my career, I was all about verification. Show me results, then you'll get my trust. Sounds logical, doesn't it? But here's the thing: it was holding my team back.
One day, I took a chance on a new hire. Instead of watching her like a hawk, I gave her a big project and said, "I trust you've got this." The look on her face – it was like I'd handed her the keys to the kingdom.
And you know what? She knocked it out of the park. Not because I was breathing down her neck, but because I trusted her from the get-go. That's when it hit me. Trust isn't something you earn bit by bit. It's a gift you give upfront. It's saying, "I believe in you" before they've even started.
Now, I'm not saying be naive. But there's a world of difference between being cautious and assuming the worst. When you trust first, you're creating a space for people to rise to the occasion. Think about it. When someone trusts you, don't you want to prove them right? It's the same for your team. Trust them first, and watch how they flourish.
So next time you're tempted to hold back trust until it's "earned," try flipping the script. Give trust freely. Yes, you might get burned once in a while. But the payoff – the loyalty, the motivation, the creativity it unlocks – that's worth the risk.
Remember, trust is like a boomerang. Throw it out there, and more often than not, it'll come right back to you. That's the power of trusting first.