Performance Vs. Trust

In Podcast Episode #257 I listed four key areas of the Infinite minded leader. Previously we have begun a deeper look into these four areas by starting with our “Just Cause,” followed by “Will and Resources.” In this podcast I want to examine what it takes to have “Trusting Teams.” 

In order to build Trusting Teams let’s understand the tension that exists. The tension is that we are a business and should act professional, not personal. Therefore, we need to drive performance, not make people feel good. If you have ever felt frustrated, angry, excited, abused, confident, or insecure, congratulations – you are officially human! There is simply no way to suspend our emotions while at work.

Feeling safe to express our emotions is not be confused with a lack of emotional professionalism. After all we are adults and have a responsibility to act with respect and thoughtfulness. Emotions/Feeling are at the heart of Trusting Teams. Let’s examine and illustration from the Navy Seals regarding Performance versus Trust. They understand that Trust comes before Performance, not the other way around. 

The Seals have come to learn that performance can be taught. Trust is who you are at the core of your being. To become a Seal does not necessarily mean that you are the high achiever that outperforms all others. Take notice of the chart in the show notes. Seals will take low to medium performers with high trust. High performance with low trust is a toxic person that you do not want on your team.

Performance is about technical competence. How good someone is at their job. Do you have staying power? Can you remain calm while meeting deadlines? Trust on the other hand is about character, humility, and accountability. Do you bring a positive attitude with you to work. Having skills does not mean that you are reputable. 

Why is it in the Navy Seals that a premium is placed upon the character of a person knowing this person has their back and yet in the business world we place more emphasis upon performance at the expense of character? When we pitt performance against character we create toxic environments in which trust is sacrificed. Performance actually drops in toxic environments. People will trust their leaders when their leaders do the things that make them feel psychologically safe!

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

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FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

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Birkman Assessment

Game Theory Resource Books

Game Theory for Business by  Paul Papayoanou 

Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

List of Games in Game Theory – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_games_in_game_theory

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

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