Trust
Great Men Know Trust Increases Speed
In every sphere of life, on battlefields, in boardrooms, pulpits, political arenas, and classrooms, and around every dinner table in every home, it is people who make things happen and get things done. In each sphere of life, a man’s trust is a key ingredient needed to achieve and get things done. People are at the very center of every mission accomplished, corporate deal completed, sermon preached, election won, test taken, and chore done. It is for this reason that the cultivation of a high-level of trust should be the goal of every man. To be effective in any sphere, having a high level of trust enables getting things done quickly and correctly. Can you be trusted? Are you a trusting person? How fast can you get into a trusting space?
Military Sphere:
Trust is not optional. In the crucible of conflict, trust is a matter of life and death and in the military sphere, soldiers and sailors are taught to trust their fellow squad mates quickly. Trust is absolutely essential and high performing military teams go from zero to 100 very fast. Fighting men need to trust their equipment is working, parachutes were packed correctly, helicopter maintenance was done completely and correctly, and that their buddy to their left and right has their back when they have to charge forward into harm’s way.
Industrial Sphere:
In the fast-paced world of industry and commerce, trust serves as the currency of transactions, lubricating the wheels of commerce and driving economic progress. Men who excel in the industrial sphere understand that trust is not just a commodity to be bought and sold but an asset earned through diligence, transparency, and ethical conduct. Successful enterprises foster collaboration and understanding in order to quickly innovate, produce products, and ultimately solve problems in the production flow and in board rooms. Without trust, everything slows down.
A great example of this is within partnerships. If business partners have the highest level of trust, deals and projects can happen very quickly and speed becomes the priority. This is true because each part knows that when problems arise (and they most certainly will) the other party will work hard to get resolution. Mutual trust is the currency of commerce. If there is a lack of trust, everything slows down in order to hammer out the details for exit strategies and resolutions plans. Good partners know the other guy will do their part to fix problems and operate with integrity to the mutual benefit of all involved.
Religious Sphere:
In matters of faith and spirituality, trust assumes a sacred significance, binding believers together in a shared covenant of devotion and reverence. Men who serve in religious leadership roles are entrusted with the solemn responsibility of shepherding their flocks with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, which then enables speedier growth in faith and a spiritual life. Trust in the religious sphere is not just an abstract concept but a deeply personal and transformative experience, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey and nourishing their souls with the assurance of divine grace and providence.
Broken trust in the religious sphere is deeply damaging, in part because is it so personal. Just as trust enables spiritual growth, broken trust can become a roadblock to such development. Ministers called to this role in life have a unique duty to have the highest level of trust.
Political Sphere:
In the tumultuous arena of politics, sadly, trust is a rare commodity. Men who aspire to leadership in the political sphere must earn the trust of their constituents through transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to the common good. The principles of trust do not change and the importance of trust does not diminish as men cross over into serving in the political sphere of life. Without a basic level of trust, a politician is dead. With a high degree of trust, a man can inspire and help deepen the common good needed to function as a society.
Family Sphere:
Fathers, uncles, older cousins, grandfathers, and other father figures hold unique roles in the lives of families and of young people in general. With all the life stages, progressions, and transitions that people go through in life, a trusting man can be central to helping the younger generation make their transitions successful. Men should see their role and work hard to develop the trust needed to help navigate their family through the many phases of life. Everyone should agree that life is long, filled with unknowns, and can be emotionally taxing at various stages and phases. Having a trusting guide to speak truth, lean on, and consult is a huge life advantage to anyone on life’s journey. Men who fill these roles help accelerate transitions for young men and help them become who they are meant to be with confidence. Men should strive to be great at leading a family and any young man who they have in their life.
Being a trusted father, mentor and/or a guide, is a privilege and critical role for men; good men are always needed, so don’t shy away. Forging these trusted relationships will help the next generation speedily transition into the men they are meant to be.
In conclusion, trust is the cornerstone of human interaction in diverse spheres, from the battlefield to the kitchen table. For men, the cultivation of trust should be an imperative that shapes the course of our relationships. As stewards of trust in our respective spheres, men must uphold the highest standards of integrity, honor, and accountability. As men, let us embrace trust as a sacred duty.
IRONWORKS, Men’s Grooming & Supply Co. is BUILDING GREAT MEN.