Date: 2/16/2016

Title: TRUST AND INTERDEPENDENCE

By Jennifer Erickson

Leaders need to inspire trust. Without this, no one will follow them for long or with zest. Without trust, leaders are just taking a walk. Interdependence is a key aspect of establishing trust.

Interdependence is a mutual dependence between things. You see interdependence in many of the sciences: sociology, psychology, biology, technology, and so on. Yet some leaders shy away from creating a culture built on interdependence.

Some leaders have trouble acknowledging that they need others. Some leaders think they can do it all, and that they are dependent on no one. The unfortunate leader views mutual dependence as a sign of being weak. Actually, it would be this leader’s followers who were unfortunate.

Interdependence means that we can rely on others to help us. It is demonstrated when we are self-aware and know our blind spots, then look to another person who is strong in these areas. It is demonstrated when we shout loud and clear, “I could not have done this without Sonja and David.”

A fable demonstrates this very well. An ancient society, separated by a mountain range, contained two tribes: the Magooleys and the Brontights. Both lived in a land with plenty of resources. Yet, the Brontights died out much sooner than the Magooleys. Archeologists determined the Brontights starved to death. It was puzzling, since their land contained many fruit trees and a river which supplied clean water.

One of the digs found large tools. The trunk was about two feet long and contained a cupped bowl on the end. Scientists determined these were eating utensils. Through interpretation of drawings on dwelling walls, it was determined that the Brontights tried to feed themselves with these utensils. Of course, each time they tried to turn the two foot trunk around to feed themselves, the food fell out. Now, they weren’t a very smart people, so it didn’t occur to them to eat with their hands. How did the Magooleys survive? They held the eating utensil in their hands and reached across the rock to feed another person!

Being interdependent is a good thing, when we recognize it and act accordingly. How are you “feeding” your team?

To learn more about how to practice this understanding, contact Results Group, LLC at www.ResultsGroupLLC.com or 515-330-2866.