SHARE YOUR TRUST SUCCESS STORIES: How are Companies Building Trust? EXAMPLE-Starbucks is Going Green
THE MISSION: Call to Action
I am on a mission. I am on a mission to find success stories about companies that are bridging the trust gap we hear so much about. President Obama clearly pointed out, we have a “deficit of trust” in this country. This diagnosis will take a cure, not just symptomatic treatment. Trust is the root to many challenges we face today. The media does a good job finding the areas where we have a deficit. But, we hear few success stories. Executives are in a fish bowl today more so than ever before. And, that fish bowl appears to be full of many executives doing the same thing. Perceptions are the public’s reality, and they (we/many) are putting nearly everyone with power in the same fish bowl.
I want to avoid having a political discussion, but the reality is that politics is as real in our companies as it is outside. Taking a blind eye to the impact internal and external politics have on an organization’s culture is like consciously choosing to being out of touch with the “real” culture of my organization and know my people. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil—if I cannnot hear it, see it and of course, if we never speak of it, then it does not exist (“it” being politics). WRONG!
Today, lets face it, executives and political special interests are tight “bed fellows.” Misappropriating government bail out monies and executives leaving with “golden parachutes” all leave companies weaker and erode trust. Public and corporate politics are more intertwined today than ever before—at least it appears that way. This is perhaps why it would be risky for anyone to run for public office today touting they are/were an executive running a large company. Saying government needs to be run like a business is perhaps not a solid political platform as it was once upon a time during the Reagan years. We all need to change—together. Times have changed dramatically.
Leaders need to come together with their people and communities to build trust. Political leaders need to come together with each other on common ground and driven solely by political interest groups and votes, but to do what is right for the people. In the words of Patrick Henry, “United we stand. Divided we fall!” The heart of this country is business. It will take American businesses to come together, for a sustainable America and vibrant global economy.
Share with me, ways your company or other companies you know of are building trust. United, lets create greater awareness so we can close the deficit.
MODEL TRUST BUILDER: Starbucks Goes Green
Starbucks is one example of how companies can use their influence to make a difference, create goodwill and confidence in American business.
I have been researching Starbucks over the past several weeks. Wow! I have been impressed by this organization, which has such influence in the marketplace and focuses on innovations that support a sustainable environment. This is a multi-faceted program that other organizations can use to model their approach.
They describe the initiative:
“From the way we buy our coffee, to minimizing our environmental footprint, to being involved in local communities. It’s doing things the way we always have. And it’s using our size for good. And because you support us, Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ is what you are a part of too.”
Videos on their site provide details on each program they have implemented and shares the positive impacts they are having on the communities they serve.
Now, get this…by the end of 2010, they plan to have all stores retrofitted to “green” specifications.
CLOSING WORDS: What are your success stories?
Again, please share other examples by commenting and sharing this blog post with others. Lets unite to help executives see what is possible, and the public understand how organizations are making this world a better place that WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF. My objective is to shift our focus from a lack of trust to one of ABUNDANCE OF TRUST. Together, we can sift the emphasis on attracting more businesses to proudly demonstrate trust-building behaviors. It starts with one.
You can also post your comments and success stories on my Facebook Fan Page, called the Executive Reform Movement and my group LinkedIn by the same name. Lets keep the conversation alive and make a difference together. “United we stand, divided we fall.”
Related posts:
- BUILDING TRUST: You MUST have an EVALUATION STRATEGY. IF you cannot show your value you are EXPENDABLE TODAY—Are YOU willing to take the RISK?
- How do people see you? Are you a TRUST BOOSTER or a TRUST BUSTER? CORPORATE TRUST Begins with YOU
- Restoring Confidence in Doing Business with Companies
- MULTIGENERATIONAL LEADERSHIP CLOUT: Building a Learning Culture of TRUST for SUSTAINABLE Bottom Line Results, Before the World War for Talent Strikes
- VOLUNTEERISM: Improving Innovation, Learning and Leadership Performance
