When a baby enters into this world, her first natural response is to cry. She is no longer in the safe & familiar surroundings of her mother’s womb. Every person, from the moment of birth, naturally seeks to be in a safe & comfortable environment. Our bodies switch into a “fight or flight” response whenever we sense a threat to our safety. Our senses become heightened, our hearts beat faster, our heads get dizzy or lightheaded, our breathing becomes faster & shallower, and the muscles all over our bodies tense up in a stressed state. We crave safety, and are willing to fight to get it.
Children reserve their worst behaviours for their parents, because it’s when they feel safest to let go and be themselves. Children trust that no matter their worst meltdowns & irrational behaviours, mama & papa will always love and accept them. They can be themselves in reckless abandon (much to the chagrin of the parents).
Likewise, in any relationship, whether personal or professional, trust and respect are essential building blocks. Without them, the foundation of the relationship becomes shaky, and it becomes difficult to build a strong and meaningful connection. Cultivating a trusting environment and building a relationship of mutual respect can bring numerous benefits, both for individuals and organisations.
When individuals trust and respect each other, they are more likely to communicate openly and honestly. This leads to better collaboration and outcomes. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and promotes a team spirit, which is incredibly valuable to achieving success and productivity.
Furthermore, when people feel safe, it enhances creativity and innovation, as they are comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgement and rejection. It can also boost employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to increased engagement, motivation, and loyalty.
Finally, building a relationship of mutual respect and trust can have a positive impact on a company’s reputation. It will attract and retain talented individuals who share the same values. Therefore, building trust and respect in every relationship we cultivate, both personally and professionally, must take the highest priority.
