The concept of trust is often a difficult one to embrace when running a business.  There is a tendency to set in place rules and regulations to compensate for every possible contingency that may happen and in doing so we place a box so tight around people that asking someone to “think outside the box” really means “just think for yourself instead of allowing the organization to do it for you.”  It’s difficult to let go because “someone may mess something up.”  I hate to tell you this, but you’re right and it’s going to happen anyway!

Start building the trust

So, trust your people to embrace the goals of the organization and provide incentive for them to get there.  Can the energy of the people in your organization be best used when it is directed by others or can we rely on our people to direct themselves to achieve the best results?  Although it will not work every time and there will be instances of failure, the ability of people to do the right thing is not simply about doing things in only one right way.  Opportunity for diversity of thoughts and actions will bring unexpected results that can exceed expectations.

Trust those around you to do good work.  If you can’t do so, then the questions you should ask are why are they there in the first place and what does it say about me that I can’t trust them to do what needs to be done?  Go ahead, do something amazing in 2013 and start trusting others – who knows, maybe they will start trusting you too!

Messages must move forward

Much of what we do in HR is communicating with people.  As every good HR pro knows, everyone is different and the requirements to get messages through are as varied as the individuals themselves.  This applies to methods, wording, even the timing of communication that we provide to those we work with on a routine basis.  A diverse message will get through much better than a one dimensional message that may resonate with a few, but leave many out of the communication loop.

A good communication strategy is going to include elements that lead to business success.  In this age of hyper-connectedness, reputation management is one key aspect of this business strategy.  Many of my colleagues in HR are very accomplished at seeing issues with the perspective that will protect an organization’s interests. This is balanced by being able to communicate in such a way that accomplishes the conveying of information that is accurate and informative as well as consistent with the other communications done by the organization.

In an age where organizations are facing increased regulatory requirements, competition for top talent, and evolving technology, the communication piece of managing people will gain importance.  If you haven’t already, take some time and learn some public relations principles from those who do it well (look to a local chapter of PRSA) and reciprocate by sharing some person-to-person tips that may benefit another.  Both of these professions understand that message matters. Even with this understanding, having  the ability to clearly define and communicate it can be a challenge.

I am fortunate to know several same-sex couples who are raising families and who exemplify so many good traits. In fact, those that I know are fantastic role models for doing the right things for their own children and those who cannot advocate strongly for themselves. At the same time, there are those in “traditional marriages” who are miserable in their lives and have no business raising children. I see other marriages between a man and a woman that are different than the one I have in terms of how spouses treat each other and divide responsibilities yet that has no effect on my relationship with my wife (who truly is my better half!) and how we choose to live and raise our children.

It is often those labeled politically “conservative” that push for issues like the one that passed in North Carolina while at the same time admonishing government for interfering in people’s lives. This is a contradiction that I’ve never understood. Allowing people to be equal in their unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness is a foundational principle of our country. Realize that differences are needed for innovation and innovation is needed for growth. As a society, we can become more inclusive and better able to face the great challenges the world faces when we ensure that every citizen is considered a full and essential part of who we are. Every marriage is different, even “traditional” ones between a man and a woman. Given the divorce rate (41 percent of first marriages end in divorce), perhaps traditional is not something everyone should strive for. To me, I like the idea that I can be happy with my life and that the same type of happiness can be had by others even when it is different than my own.