From the Principal

Trust Workshop

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a professional learning workshop sponsored by The Global Leaders Network and hosted at Devonport Christian School on the importance of Developing Trust in teams. It was a very beneficial time, made even more so by having 4 other LCS leaders in attendance. During the time we spent together we discussed, connected with each other, shared ideas, told stories and expanded out tool kits when it comes to developing trust in the teams we lead. The workshop was based on the book TRUST by Dr. Henry Cloud, and I wanted to share my key takeaways that I believe are important and applicable to us all, regardless of our position or profession.

There are 5 foundational aspects needed for TRUST: Remember people are hardwired for Trust!

Understanding: We trust someone when we feel that someone understands us. We are wired to listen when people are with me and get me.
- Take time to understand how we make people feel
- Listen and develop deep empathy.
- Do you take time to understand what it is like to sit in their chair
Motive: Understand why someone is acting the way they are acting.
- We need to make sure we take into account other people’s interests.
- Remind those around us that we are for them, and we have each other’s backs!
Ability: Don’t underestimate the role a person's ability plays in establishing or reducing trust
- People are always observing
Character: Ask yourself, are those who you lead knitted together in a way so that they can do what they need to do?
- Character needs to be put into context. What are the needs at the moment?
Track record: The best predictor of the future is the past, unless something changes.
- Forgiveness is free Trust is earned!
- People build mental maps of leaders based on every interaction.

A final thought is this people can overcome mistakes you make but there needs to be a new track record established and one that is based on something more than just saying sorry.

In Christ,

Stuart Kent

Principal