Society
Putting Trust to the Test
What does it look like when you have earned the trust of others?
Look at the ways of a child with a trusting heart. When we call them to jump into our arms, they do. As they grow and we take them to the pool, they will jump into the deep end knowing they have nothing to fear as long as we are there. They place trust in us because of their faith even though they don’t know for sure what we will do. Testing trust occurs when we can’t control the outcome. We make the call for our people to come. Then we wait; having faith they will follow.
SPLASH!
Making the call to something new
There is a risk; without the possibility of failing, we don’t develop courage.
But what if our child slips while jumping? Or what if we don’t catch them successfully and struggle to keep their head above water? These are important questions, but when growth is the objective, they can’t become our focus or we never try.
Calling individuals and teams into something new is not easy, but critical in their development.
SPLASH!
Growth coming through experience endures
Remember the times when you were a child? We have memories of doing things for the first time. Swimming, bowling, fishing, or maybe when we took the training wheels off of our bicycle. We remember first things and those that tested us don’t we?
Last thoughts
The satisfaction of accomplishment may also come with discomfort. Some growth can only come through some pain. Through these experiences, we can develop the courage to help us go on to do greater things. When we have established trust with our people, we can call them and expect them to come.
Actions to Consider
- In what ways does your team trust you when you call them into the deep?
- How can you lead your team into trying something new?
- Who are you following and how do you give them your trust?
Shepherding: The art of becoming the leader others want to follow.