Trust is key to team success.
I recently facilitated an executive team strategy session. They have a bold year ahead and are motivated to achieve their goals.
I used marbles and a glass jar to illustrate the key element in achieving their goals – trust among each other.
Each person answered the following questions on a 3×5 card:
List Your Favorite
- candy
- flower
- food
- song (at this moment)
They shared one from their list and told a story about it.
Marjorie described her favorite food – warm chocolate chip cookies.
“My mom regularly baked them just before we got home from middle school. Our family had just moved to another state and it was difficult for my sister and me to make friends. My mouth watered as I inhaled the buttery scent that permeated our home. Iced milk cooled my throat and I licked all the gooey remnants from each finger. The struggles of the day melted away with each bite.”
The mood in the room changed in an instant.
Marjorie shared something about herself that connected her with the team. She built trust and placed one marble in the jar.
Will you to share one story about yourself today?
Trust is built through openness and vulnerability. The belief that vulnerability is a sign of weakness stems from society’s dislike for appearing emotional. As a child, were taught to stop feeling the way you did, that your feelings were wrong. Many kids heard, “Stop being so dramatic. You’re freaking out over nothing. You need to calm down. It’s all in your head.”
Reframe the way you view vulnerability. It is sharing your feelings and experiences with people. Opening up connects you to others, to joy, and to opportunities. To feel is to be vulnerable.
THE REST OF THE STORY…..
Throughout the session each person shared one thing from their favorites list and told a story about it. They placed a marble in the glass jar of trust. Over time, the jar filled up.
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Create trust with others by sharing your favorite candy, flower, food, or song.
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