In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, what is the one thing that can make or break your professional relationships, your career, and even your business? Trust.
On a recent episode of the "Coaching Gold" podcast, Executive Coach Dorian Cunion joined host Dr. Rudy Jackson to discuss his coaching journey and the critical role of trust. As a former 7-Eleven executive, Dorian shared how his own experience with an executive coach motivated him to help others find their authentic leadership style and advance their careers.
This podcast episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to improve their leadership, build stronger teams, or find more success in their professional life.
Key Concepts Around Building Trust
1. Trust is the starting point for all successful collaboration.
Dorian explains that whether you're trying to land a new job or lead a team, establishing trust is the first and most crucial step. He models this in his coaching by creating a safe space where clients can be vulnerable and share their fears and goals without judgment. This approach is not just a coaching technique; it's a blueprint for effective collaboration in any setting.
2. Mistrust can be the root of performance issues.
Many business owners and leaders blame employees for not meeting expectations. However, Dorian often finds that the real problem lies in a lack of trust. When there's a breakdown in communication, it can prevent employees from asking for help or lead to leaders micromanaging their team. The solution is to focus on rebuilding trust first.
3. Small actions can build trust.
If you want to start building trust immediately, set aside a little extra time to get to know people on a personal level. Move beyond a casual "How are you?" and ask thoughtful questions about their family or what's going well in their life. These simple, human interactions are the foundation of trust and are a critical first step toward building stronger relationships.
4. Repairing trust requires humility.
Dr. Jackson added a key insight, noting that trust is often broken unintentionally. The key to repairing it is a combination of awareness, prioritization, and humility. By acknowledging your mistake, listening to how your actions affected someone, and modeling the behavior you want to see, you can create a culture where it's safe to admit mistakes and work toward a solution.
5. Coaching helps you find the answers within yourself.
One of the principles of coaching is that people are naturally gifted and whole. A coach's role is not to provide all the answers, but to help clients tap into their own values, strengths, and experiences. 90% of what people need to succeed is already within them, and coaching provides the clarity and confidence to unlock that potential.
Why You Should Watch the Full Video
This podcast episode offers more than just theoretical advice; it provides a real-world perspective on what it means to be a coach and how the principles of coaching can be applied to everyday professional challenges. You'll get to hear from an experienced executive coach who has walked in your shoes and is dedicated to helping others succeed.
Whether you're a small business owner, a leader, or an individual in career transition, the insights shared in this conversation can help you build the trust needed to achieve your goals.
For more information on Dorian's coaching practice, you can visit his website, Your Path Coaching and Consulting, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
