Trust

You'd be amazed at what a little piece of bread can do to soothe the savage beast and establish trust. I think this statement rings more true lately than in any other time in my life.

Today's post is about goodwill offerings. I think during scary times folks tend to be more reserved. They shield their hands a bit closer, reveal less of their cards or tells at the poker table. In our industry, the culture of sharing tends to dry up a bit as everyone circles in the wagons and tries to hold onto the things they deem as advantages over the competition. The truth be told, less innovation, less development, and less creativity occur in situations such as these. The exchange of ideas and the transparency that can only come from revealing fears and challenges gets folks past those issues and on to being more productive. This can only happen if there is an established trust first though. There needs to be an element of discernment in choosing whom you will confide in and your focus group and confidants need to understand that there is a level of accountability to be expected.

Today I was sitting with the kids having a picnic and reading the adventures of Captain Nemo when a squirrel appeared within a stone's throw of us. Breaking off a piece of muffin I explained to the kids that I could get that squirrel close enough to see it's teeth. Of course they were enthralled, well at least the boys, the female child always seems to be a more practical and immediately mentioned rabies. As we continued to throw muffin pieces closer and closer to us, the squirrel progressed. We watched it try to discern whether or not the danger was worth the muffin. Once it was within 3 feet of us, we saw it's teeth and it sat next to us for the better part of 15 minutes. During that time, the kids had the closest view of a squirrel they had ever had- the most real and first hand look at something that they had only seen in books or from a distance up until this point. It was such an amazing learning experience that was facilitated by a goodwill offering and a mutual trust. I am thankful for the Bread that established that trust and taught me so much. Just a thought.

Comments

[kathy cano-murillo]

That is the sweetest post ever and the cutest story to show its point!! Now I want to see a squirrel's teeth!!!

[Debra Quartermain]

Approaching life with an open hand and an open heart indeed creates the most amazing moments, brings wonderful people and experiences into our lives. May your adventures continue and wonder abound!