In her latest op-ed, The Wright Scoop urges readers to become people who create credibility — a matter of sustainable trust.
Each day brings yet another story of blatant unethical behavior — manipulation on Wall Street, fraudulent government contracts, national espionage, and or municipal government corruption. At every level and within all cultures, examples of failed credibility exist.
One cannot help but wonder when businesses will discover that sustainable businesses are built on an obligation of trust. Why? Trust is the bedrock upon which civil societies are built. Without it we resort of self-protection, erect defensive walls and remain forever on guard.
Have you experienced a misleading business agreement? Have you heard the words “let’s forgive and forget,” only to realize the real meaning was “Can I do it to you again and get away with it?” Unfortunately, reversing the effects of a one-sided deal isn’t simply a matter of sincere forgiveness — it’s a matter of lost credibility and broken trust.
What is credibility? It is a reputation of integrity, where integrity implies a special meaning, not just honesty, but consistency and predictability. For, credibility is built on admitting mistakes, forewarning others, correcting errors, and making sure an error is not repeated. Do not blame others and when a situation is corrected, do not dwell on an error.
While honesty is being truthful to other people, integrity is being true to oneself. How? Each of us is affected by everything we do and everyone we meet. Yet, we are a unique set of thoughts and feelings, and that is why having integrity is a matter of being in tune with who you are, what you are, and where you want to go. As a result, the act of recognizing who you are is not a one-time event, but a lifelong activity.
“When public companies reported annually,” said colleague David Stern, associate professor of communications at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, “they were able to hide their shady practices. The implementation of quarterly reports was intended to provide shareholders with transparency; nevertheless, it also created an unintended consequence — short-term outlooks that shifted focus away from customers and long-term growth.”
Another factor, emergence of global businesses which forego a commitment to eco-sustainability, equally affected the focus of greening (plant, profit) market share. As a result, to borrow the words of colleague Julia Killian, "When we interact with individuals who lack integrity, whether on a personal basis or business dealings, we cannot depend on what we are told. Their self-serving duplicitous nature frequently results in misinformation and injustice. Their unethical words and actions knowingly deceive naive or uninformed people who accept false words and misleading statements as truth, often leading to decisions with unintentional negative consequences. So, a lack of integrity whether of a person, society or organization can monumentally impact a culture." Why? Trustworthy relationships are the foundation upon which communities flourish.
Simply put, credibility, as a matter of trust, is the foundation for all human relationships. So, all cultures should accept that without trust, mankind will blow in the wind this way and that when credibility if lacking. Why? There is no steadfast commitment to truth or honesty, resulting in a society or individuals who are neither believable nor respect other people.
How is trust achieved? Consistency and predictability, an outcome of "no surprises," is built on listening, trust, respecting the dignity of each person within an organization. No surprises up and no surprises down. If commitments change, explain the change before it impacts others? Why? Credibility is built on listening, trust respecting the dignity of each person within an organization. No surprises up and no surprises down.
Still, how do we deal with unethical behavior when it occurs? Protect yourself! If you hear the words, did I put that in writing then require that person to put it in writing. On the other hand, do not let a one-sided deal color your perception or warp your values. Everyone deserves at least contingent trust. So, when unethical behavior occurs, put it is perspective, let go, move on, and favor the positive. The experience of a one-sided deal should only emphasize how precious trust is.
Can the concept of credibility be assured? Of course! Regardless of global and/or cultural influences, you be the person whose honesty and condor influences trust within a business community. Be recognized as the person whose credibility is a matter of sustainable trust. Become known as a person who ensures global eco-sustainability, a focus of growing green not simply for self but for all, planet, profit market share.
About The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright
A graduate of the Virginia Natural Resource Leadership Institute program, The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright urges all to keep America beautiful and become people who CARE — have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. To inspire others, she offers one-on-one consulting, speeches and workshops and has published a series of eco-books.
For more information, visit thewrightscoop.com, email syhwright@gmail.com or follow her activities on social media through Facebook group The Wright Scoop or @WrightScoop on Twitter/X.
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Sylvia Hoehns Wright
syhwright@gmail.com