Building trust is a process, long term, incremental, and very fragile.
Trust given has always been earned, it is never just ‘given’. Sometimes trust applies to institutions. We expect anyone holding office in an institution to act in particular ways that reflect the trust earned by those who have gone before.
This is why we no longer trust politicians, and many others in various forms of public life. Individuals have tainted the trust we have in the institution by their individual actions, and it affects all who are associated.
Reflecting yesterday on the disgraceful efforts of the so called leadership group of the Australian test team, I felt personally let down, even somewhat soiled. Cricket seemed to be one of the last bastions of the Australian ethos of tough, competitive fairness, and looking after your mates.
No longer. It is just another bunch of overpaid, self-interested ego driven dopes who do not deserve to wear the ‘baggy green,’ a symbol of what has gone before.
There is a formula for trust that I have applied to those with whom I work, encouraging them to think deeply about the components, then behave as the formula demands, every day.
Trust = credibility + reliability +Authenticity divided by perceptions of self-interest.
Apply that formula to the current bunch and they fail, badly.
It is reasonable to think that the pressure of the moment got the better of their judgement, that deep down they are better than that, but then apply the formula, and the result tells a different story.
Steve Smith, perhaps the best batsman in a generation, will forever be remembered for this piece of stupidity, no matter what he has done, or will do, the decision to cheat will forever be an indelible stain on his reputation and credibility.
How can we trust him to lead an Australian icon.
Does he even deserve to remain in the team, irrespective of his prowess at the crease.
He is no longer a leader who we can trust, therefore he is no longer a leader, at best, just an incumbent.
The Kiwis, still smarting after the underarm bowling incident in 1981 will be laughing at us, and muttering ‘Told you so’
Christine, I could not find your article.
However, I do agree that a code of conduct is essential, but it is only as good as the leadership that surrounds and supports it. A CoC in isolation is of no use whatsoever.
Totally agree with your comments and in my May Linked In article – ‘Healthy Teams’ make mention about ethical and professional behavior with an agreed code of conduct being an essential component for any team. environment.