Law of solid ground

Trust is *the most important* thing!
Trust is the glue that holds an organization together.
Trust is the foundation of leadership.
Trust is like change: every good decision is change into the pocket, every bad decision is change out of the pocket
Treat trust as your most precious asset

To build trust exemplify:
- competence (learning is ok),
- connection(takes time),
- character(every slip is fatal!)

Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy.

Character => Trust => Leadership. Character makes trust possible. Trust makes leadership possible.

Character communicates:
- consistency, you can't get much done in life if you only work on the days you feel good
- potential, no man can climb out beyond the limitations of his own character
- respect, without character within, there can be no respect without

Build trust by achieving results, always with integrity and in a manner that shows a real personal regard for people with whom you work.

Earn respect by making sound decisions, by admitting mistakes, and by puttings what's best for your followers and the organization ahead of your personal agenda

Don't lie, look out for number one, take the easy road, pass the hot potato, ignore followers, take the credit, pass on blame.

Warning signs: unrest, rumbling, relationship eroding.

If you lack trust, is it due to competence, connection, and/or character?

Measures of trust:
- how open are your followers with you:
* do they share positive as well as negative opinions
* do they give good news as easily as bad news
* do they let you know what is happening in their are of responsibility
- how much responsibility do you receive from colleagues and bosses

To develop character:
- integrity: make commitments and keep them,
- authenticity: be yourself with everybody
- discipline: do the right thing everyday regardless of how you feel

A DEFINITION OF CHARACTER:
- Making decisions based on what is best for the company versus personal gain
- Stating opinions honestly
- Delivering on commitments
- Taking a stand on tough issues
- Being approachable and asking for feedback
- Treating everyone the same
- Trusting and working collaboratively with others
- Being emotionally resilient in changing situations

THREE BEHAVIOURS THAT DEMONSTRATE CHARACTER:
- Break through negativity. It’s easier to question, dissect and disregard. Great leaders express excitement about the future and confidence in the ability of others
- Learn together. Typical leaders analyze decisions without the feedback from those most affected by the issue at hand. Inclusive decision-making shows consideration and respect for others, results in better decisions and stronger commitment, and more successful outcomes.
- Challenge the status quo. Get out from behind the desk. Leadership requires situational awareness and the courage to articulate what others are thinking. Get real by hanging out with your staff and peers and asking questions.