Want more trust? The first step is to assess it, the second is to earn it, and the third is to request it. This issue of EQ VitalSigns focuses on step one.

Testing for Trust:

Trust is feeling and a belief, and it is reciprocal. If don't trust you, I can pretty well guarantee you don't trust me. Think of one of your direct reports, someone who does a good job, but who doesn't fully "buy in" to your leadership and direction -- doesn't fully trust you. Now, honestly ask yourself: how fully do you trust her or him?

If you feel distrust, that's a great signal to you -- a warning -- that the two-way trust connection is fragile or broken. Use your feeling of trust as a barometer to assess the quality of trust in your team.

Sometimes people are not sure if they trust or not. This simple process will let you check your trust level.

Imagine asking someone to do a task that is possible, challenging, and important -- she says, "that's a stretch, but I'll do it." Now, take a quick check:

• Body Scan -- do you feel any new pain or tension in your stomach, neck, back? If so, you may not trust
• Quick Think -- Right this second, what's your first reaction? If you have questions or doubts, you might not trust.
• Heart Check -- How do you feel? If scared, frustrated, sad, or anxious, you might not trust.

In the next issue, we'll go onto increasing trust, first by practicing the Four Cs, then by having a challenging and wonderful conversation. In the meantime, increase your insight into your relationships by practicing the Body Scan, Quick Think, and Heart Check techniques. Tune into your own feelings of trust and distrust as a foundation for improving it.

Warmly,

Joshua Freedman is the Director of the Six Seconds' Institute for Healthcare Leadership, a nonprofit organization bringing 35 years of emotional intelligence expertise to improve leadership, enhance climate, and reduce turnover.