Tag: truth

Be Informed!

by Mershon Niesner

The less he understands something, the more firmly he believes in it. Wilhelm Reich, psychoanalyst

We are trying to finalize approval for an Micro CCRC on our island. This is a facility for seniors with independent living apartments, assisted living, and memory care. We are an island of retirees and how wonderful it would be to stay in the environment we know as we age. There is opposition, of course, and most of it seems to stem from mis-information that is then promoted on yard signs and by word of mouth.

Reich’s quote about understanding less and being more adamant about a decision seems to be running rampant lately. I support those who speak out and speak up on any topic. However, being informed and knowing the facts is paramount whether the subject is a senior living facility on a small island or climate change affecting the globe. 

Affirmation: I am informed.

Coaching questions: What are you championing? How do you stay informed? How do you separate fact from fiction? If there is something you feel passionate about? Get informed then get busy. 

Five Steps to Earning Trust

by Mershon Niesner

I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you. Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher

Trust is the measure of a quality relationship. This is true of friends, business associates, world leaders. Here are four behaviors that demonstrate trustworthiness. 

  1. Keep confidences. When you share confidential information, you destroy your trustworthiness with both the person you have betrayed and the person with whom you have shared the information. 
  2. Show vulnerability. When you open up and share your goals and values with others, they perceive you as more trustworthy. You have “skin in the game” and something to lose.
  3. Respect boundaries. Set clear boundaries for yourself and hold them. In turn, honor the boundaries of others. 
  4. Speak face to face. Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets have become a breeding ground for distrust. If you have something important to say, speak to the person directly. 
  5. Tell the truth. As Nietzsche says, once  the foundation of truth-telling is broken, it can take a great deal for someone to trust again.

Affirmation: I am trustworthy.

Coaching questions: How do you measure trustworthiness? How do you instill trust in others? What’s one thing you can do to be perceived as a more trustworthy person?