In his book, The Speed of Trust, Stephen Covey says, “we judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior.” Intentions are often unclear through behavior alone.
The greatest level of trust among coworkers comes from a desire to understand intentions instead of the result of behavior. Judging others by their behavior proves a shallow level of trust.
Matthew 7:4-5 says, “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Before judging an employee by behavior, choose instead to build trust by understanding intentions.
Today’s Integrity Moment is adapted with permission from family business coach, author and speaker, Stephanie Winslow.
