'Intent' and Trust

What our intent is -- or is perceived as being -- greatly influences the amount of trust we are granted.

There is an interesting concept about trust that could be interesting and valuable to learn and keep in mind for your personal and professional interactions.

“What kind of ‘tax’ am I paying because people question my intent?”

That is from the book, “The Speed of Trust.” What do you think about the idea of a “tax” that we pay because we are questioned, doubted or distrusted? We pay it in the disinterest or resistance that occurs and may make life more difficult or maybe worse, incredibly frustrating.

Interesting that we get taxed (an expense or in my mind, a penalty) for being poorly evaluated or misunderstood. This brings up a second question from the book mentioned above, this one intended to stimulate thinking and develop a solution.

“What can I do to improve and better communicate my intent?”

That’s a pointed question. Answer specifically.

There has to be a way, a better one that will be successful. The question also reminds us that we have to be the ones to improve and communicate effectively instead of leaving to chance, what our intent is in people’s minds, because that can result in an inaccurate perception and judgment that ends up costing us that “tax” that prevents us from what is possible and necessary in our lives.

So how did we get to this point?

The book teaches the reader that:

“People often distrust us because of the conclusions they draw about what we do.

“It is important for us to actively influence the conclusions others draw by declaring our intent."

Yes. Did you see it? Actively influence… declare our intent verbally as well in writing and in our other actions. Be sure to leave little to nothing to chance and communicate in all ways, clearly, in a manner any particular person or group will understand, the intent.

"I mean you no harm" and "I seek your greatest good."

Jim Meehan, psychologist, said about honestly communicating intent to build trust.

How can these suggestions be communicated so we and our intent are believed as sincere? It is definitely a worthy pursuit and task on a checklist.

You might think the wording is a little overdone yet if we can convey the meaning so that that it hits home emotionally for someone that that we will not harm them — and we do want the best for them too, then maybe our communication and additional acts will be more frequently respected and trusted and we will accomplish more of what we set out to do, even in more challenging situations.

EXTRAS for this Issue:

+“You’re only one decision away from a totally different life.”+

Think about that point for a while. It’s true, which can be both exciting and dangerous. It just depends on the quality of decision being made and the present and future risk.

+”The wisest mind has something to learn.”+

The question is, is the wisest mind willing to listen, read, learn and apply or are they overconfident and low on humility and uncommitted to gaining knowledge and getting better then they already are in any certain area.

+”You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”+

Oftentimes, uncertainty is difficult for us to deal with or fear leads us to do little or nothing. Analysis paralysis or loss aversion (fearing losses more than valuing gains) lead to problematic and costly decision-making.

We can succeed more often than not when we move into the uncertainty (with a strong plan) and do the thing we think we cannot do (but, in reality, can accomplish).

Michael Toebe is a reputation consultant, advisor and communications specialist at Reputation Quality, assisting individuals and organizations with further building reputation as an asset or ethically protecting, restoring or reconstructing it.

Reputation Intelligence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Promote yourself, business and offering in Reputation Intelligence with a color ad or audio or video clip and a link or two. For an ad placement in one issue: $500. For a month of placements in every article: $2,500.