Penny Power Ponders: Trust, a Critical Human Asset
This Tuesday, in my Ponderings Newsletter, I'm diving deep into a critical human asset: TRUST. This delicate yet immensely powerful asset lies at the core of every thriving person, organisation, and community.
In a world increasingly shaped by digital and AI advancements, I remain focused on the power of our hearts and emotions to counter disconnection. As leaders and service providers, how can we maintain human connections that reassure our peers and clients? How do we show them they deeply matter and that they can trust us with their thoughts, challenges, and ambitions?
Trust, for us, isn’t just a marketing term; it’s the very fabric of our interactions.
Reputation is a testament to this trust. Several times a week, people apply to join Thomas and I in our community. They don’t cite our efficiency or uniqueness; they mention a word that has always been our deepest value: I TRUST you and Penny.
Since 1998, despite personal and financial challenges, we’ve prioritised human connection in our communications and commitments while also ensuring we stay right at the front of using and learning advancements in tech since 1983.
Sharing our journey of Trust here, isn't about self-promotion—it's a reminder, through proof, that people and long-term relationships matter above all. Trust doesn’t just happen; it’s built through consistent words, actions, and connections, especially within a community.
I want to explore four key pillars of trust that have been resonating deeply with me lately: This ‘equation for Trust’, was recently stated by Dr Tharaka (Dr T) Gunarathne.
The 4 Key Pillars of Trust
1. Credibility
Credibility starts with honesty—what you see is what you get. There’s no room for hiding behind facades or overplaying our successes. Trust grows when we present our true selves, including the struggles, not just the victories. It's about showing up genuinely, without the need to inflate or downplay who we are.
2. Reliability
Reliability is the consistency of our actions over time. Trust thrives when people know they can depend on you—not just once, but consistently. It’s about being there for others, keeping our promises, and showing that our values translate into our behaviour, day in and day out.
3. Intimacy
Intimacy speaks to how approachable, warm, and empathetic we are as individuals. It’s the quality that allows others to feel safe sharing their thoughts and emotions. By creating spaces of comfort and openness, we build the kind of trust that turns acquaintances into true friends and allies.
4. Low Self-Orientation
This is about keeping selfishness in check. Trust doesn’t flourish where there’s an obvious agenda or where people feel like they're being used. When our focus is on the collective good rather than just personal gain, it’s easier for others to believe in us, feel secure, and share openly.
I am deeply aware that our lives are easily taken over with rushing to complete tasks, managing our daily challenges and seeking growth. However, one thing I have learned in life, that has protected Thomas and I, saved us and helped us rebuild from unexpected downturns and pains, is the people that have my back. They know who we are and our values, and that has enabled us sot pivot, innovate and come back from disruption and chaos.
Trust is like an insurance product, we all need it at some point in our lives, and if we haven’t invested in it already, we can’t just buy it and hope that they will support you with your current pain and challenges, you have to have invested in it for a while.
So this week, spend time with people, show them they matter, enable time around a conversation to be interested in others, small moments build to great trust.
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Forging Strategic Alliances For Growth Focused Businesses | High Level Coaching Programmes | Giving You A Competitive Advantage Through Transformative Change | CEO & Founder | Global Strategic Alliances & Partnerships
1moThanks for this great post Penny! As a seasoned Alliances & Partnerships professional, I know that Trust is an absolute essential in order for any partnering activity to be successful. In all the partnering work I have been doing over the last 27 years, I have majored on and focussed on the importance of trust and how to measure Trust and the impact it has (which is really important). For organisations, trust is their single greatest asset, so they should be measuring this. I have been using the Trust Equation (which has the 4 elements you discussed in a formula) and working with clients to show how you can measure this and what impact it has too. It is very powerful! I class myself as a "torch bearer of trust". Happy to discuss this further.
Retired Finance. Trade and Development Facilitator and Member of True&Fair Party
1moTrust You to have another great Ponder and well said indeed Penny 😊
Stay human. Use AI. I help you save 1-2 days per week in your business (without being tech-savvy). So you can focus on what truly matters. Your impact, your freedom, you life.
1moBuilding credibility and showing genuine interest in others goes a long way, beautifully said Penny Power OBE
Founder & CEO 2to3days|Keynote speaker|Business & personal coach|Flexible working| Gender equality at work
1moTrust sits at the heart of all genuine relationships. Without it you are blowing in the wind. There is far too much broadcast, self serving activity going on that drowns the opportunity to nurture real relationships, where as you say you 'know people have your back' - knowing you have that rather than knowing they are only there for the immediate transaction, the immediate benefit rather than for the long haul makes navigating our current working landscape hard. Even though I am an advocate of hybrid working this dynamic is made all the harder to foster online. Its vital to take time out, to invest in finding out about what people genuinely need to advance their careers and their businesses which is why the work that you and Thomas Power are doing is so special and so needed.
Bachelor of Laws~Master of Laws~Bachelor of Arts (HSS Psych cum laude)~Founder: Family Law Forum KZN~Mediator (CEDRUK)~WOZA Awards–Best Family Law Attorney; Best Law Firms; Legal Philanthropist and GBV Champion
1moI just love this Penny. Authenticity is key for me. If people cannot see me, the real me with all her bells and whistles, how can they develop trust in me?