Trust is very critical in running a business and is used at various levels:-
- Trust in your staff that they have the abilities to handle the tasks provided to them,
- Trust in your business partners that they do the right thing and not cheat you,
- Trust in business suppliers that they are able to provide their services as and when they are required.
Recently, I have been in situations whereby trust has been damaged or tarnished. The initial reaction will always be one of hurt, denial and anger. And lets face it …. you also kick yourself saying why am I so stupid!!
What do you do? Do you stop trusting people? Do you become hard nosed and question everyone’s motive?
It’s a hard question to give an answer to.
On a side note, I was speaking to a client who does a lot of business to one customer in Japan. In fact, the business from this one customer had helped him grow his turnover from thousands to millions. One of the things he said to me was that even though he has a very good relationship (ie: trust) with this customer, he can never for once take anything for granted. He said the culture in Japan is such that this customer can and will easily decide one day not to buy, he will not provide a reason nor warning of not purchasing from you. He will just not buy end of relationship …. FULL STOP. It is with this knowledge that everyday he looks at every opportunity in building and growing the trust he has and always trying to think from the customer’s point of view to provide a better service.
Back to the question, what happens when people break your trust. Well, don’t be stupid and trust these people again. It is up to them to build trust and gain your trust. Secondly, have to be wiser in future. Cannot give 100% trust to anyone. Trust is earned not bought. It is something the other party must be prepared in fostering, not something you give.
Juen Phie