As a young teenager, I remember getting caught – again – telling my mother, Irene, a big whopper.
My response: “I don’t know why you can’t just trust me!”
Recently, when I read Joel Peterson’s excellent business book “The 10 Laws of Trust,” I thought back on the many creative stories I contrived, attempting to get out of a well-deserved punishment. In the book, Peterson recommends specific ways to build bonds that make a business great. They are easy to understand but challenging to implement.
Most of these laws of trust can transfer over to my personal life. As I age, I recognize I built quite a rap sheet in my younger days. My word was an ever-bending thing. It got me nowhere but in danger and trouble.
I got better – thank goodness. In the past 40 years or so, I hope people, both in and out of business, have seen me as a trustworthy fellow. A man of my word. A friend and colleague you can count on.
Now, at 75, that feels pretty darn good.
And, Dad? Yes, I did fill up your Johnnie Walker bottle with water.
I’m glad I finally got that one off my chest.