What’s bothering me…

Trust is such a fragile thing. One knows that to be trusted is to trust. But what if you give trust – and it is not reciprocated? Is it a one off? Can trust ever be regained? Does trust need to be earned back or proved?

Jim Collins told us that values are the essence of great businesses. But trust throughout business is the basis for all values. No one can be in business, or lead a successful business if they don’t trust those around them. If there are caveats on that trust then surely by definition it is not trust.

Communities are founded on trust… by their very nature it is about give and take. But really, do we trust those governing the country? I understand that politicians are considered one of the most un-trusted professionals of our community (next to real estate agents according to one study).

So what do can be done to rebuild our faith in the leadership of Australia – at all levels of government? How can leaders build our trust on both a business and personal level?

Naomi Simson is considered one of Australia’s ‘Best Bosses’. She is an employee engagement advocate and practices what she preaches in her own business. RedBalloon has been named as one of only six Hewitt Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand for 2009 and awarded an engagement scorecard of over 90% two years in a row – the average in Australian businesses is 55%. RedBalloon has also been nominated by BRW as being in the top 10 Best Places to Work in Australia behind the likes of Google. One of Australia’s outstanding female entrepreneurs, Naomi regularly entertains as a passionate speaker inspiring people on employer branding, engagement and reward and recognition. Naomi writes a blog and is a published author – and has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded – RedBalloon.com.au.