Things I learned this week: The first 5 behaviors have been really good to practice this week and I have seen a good result as I have tried to practice a few of these. Remember to pick one that you can start working on today. Here are the list of the 5 behaviors that I talked about today from Stephen M.R. Covey's book The Speed of Trust. I am including the behavior and summary I listed at the end of each one that is found in the book.

Behavior #1 - Straight Talk - Be honest. Tell the truth. Let people know where you stand. Use simple language. Call things what they are. Demonstrate integrity. Don’t manipulate people or distort facts. Don’t spin the truth. Don’t leave false impressions

Behavior #2 - Demonstrate Respect - Genuinely care for others. Show you care. Respect the dignity of every person and every role. Treat everyone with respect, especially those who can’t do anything for you. Show kindness in the little things. Don’t fake caring. Don’t attempt to be “efficient” with people.

Behavior #3 - Create Transparency - Tell the truth in a way that people can verify. Declare your intent. Get real and be genuine. Be open and authentic. Err on the side of disclosure. Be transparent about not being able to be transparent. (e.g. the law or ethics preclude it) Operate on the premise of “What you see is what you get.” Don’t have hidden agendas. Don’t hide information.

Behavior #4 - Right Wrongs - Make things right when you’re wrong. Apologize quickly. Make restitution where possible. Practice “service recoveries.” Demonstrate humility. Don’t cover things up. Don’t let pride get in the way of doing the right thing.

Behavior #5 - Show Loyalty - Give credit to others. Speak about people as if they were present. Represent others who aren’t there to speak for themselves. Don’t bad-mouth others behind their backs. When you must talk about others, check your intent. Don’t disclose others' private information.