Promises Promises

1. Promises, Promises
2. Did you know? Trust fact
3. Books you should read – Walking The Talk by Carolyn Taylor
4. Something to do - Separate promises from your 'to do' list
5. Featured Consultant – Listen to Shelley Wilkins from Learning & Performance People
6. What we've been up to - US Trust Tour

1. Promises, Promises

'I'll get that report to you next week'

'Let's do lunch soon'

'I'll call you'

'We empower our people'

We make 'em and we break 'em. Everytime we make a promise, either implicit or explicit, and then don't deliver, we break down trust.

We are all guilty of it - and it's time to open our eyes.

What promises have you made to your employees? These could be in your email communications, in the interview, in the job ad. Are you keeping them?

What about promises to your customers? These are in your marketing, advertising, branding and sales process. Are you keeping those?

You can't afford to break down trust, of any stakeholder. It costs your business every time.

Take time to have a really good look and listen to the promises you make, only make promises you can keep, and keep them!

2. Did you know?

Entente conducted a survey in 2006 across Australia and 75% of those surveyed said keeping promises was the easiest way to build trust!

3. Books you should read

Walking The Talk - building a culture for success by Carolyn Taylor

The culture of an organisation can mean the difference between success and failure. Leaders cast long cultural shadows, and if you want to change positively corporate culture, you have to walk the talk. This book shows you how.

'I recommend it highly - it is readable, human, full of insight and distils Carolyn's wealth of experience and that of others who have worked with her'

Ann Sherry, CEO, Westpac New Zealand

Purchase Walking the Talk here

4. Something to do

Separate your promises from your 'to do' list

Check on your promises;

1. Go through your 'to do' list and highlight anything you have actually promised or committed to do for someone.

2. Ask yourself - 'Can I do this in the timeframe I promised?'

If yes - great. Get this done as a priority

If no - contact the person NOW, and establish a more realistic timeframe (manage their expectations) and deliver to that.

5. Featured Consultant – Shelley Wilkins from Learning & Performance People

Shelley has been the Director of Learning & Performance People since 2002. Her clients have included Westpac, Rabobank, ASB Bank in NZ, Commonwealth Bank, MLC, IAG, AGL, The Garvan Institute and OPSM. Recently, Shelley has worked with Entente to build its Consultant Accreditation program and work directly with Entente's clients to measure and build trust in their organisations.

Listen to Shelley talk about how the Entente trust work fits with work on culture and people development and the benefits she has seen for her own clients.

7. What we've been up to

Vanessa has just returned from a US Trust Tour, meeting Dennis Reina, co-author of Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace and Stephen MR Covey, author of The Speed of Trust.

Vanessa with Dennis Reina

Vanessa with Stephen MR Covey

Stephen's words to Vanessa

'I admire the important work you are doing in increasing trust in relationships, companies, and ultimately in all of society. You are truly a catalyst for the renaissance of trust taking place today. Keep making a difference and inspiring trust!'