I’m back. Again.
And while I’d love to talk about my time in NY, I can’t for a whole lot of reasons … one of them being that I don’t want to incite my family, friends and colleagues into giving me even more shit than they already are, for the poncy and pampered experience I’ve just had.
Again.
For what it’s worth, I did do a lot of work. Not just during the day, but also in the middle of the night … when everyone in NZ was at work and having meetings.
Does that earn me any sympathy?
No, thought not … fuckers.
Anyway, it was an amazing time and experience. I love NYC, especially in the summer – made even better that I got to see Andy, George and a whole host of other old cynic members while I was there. A lovely reminder of how chemistry trumps process to create magic work, possibilities and friendship.
At least for me – hahaha.
OK, enough sentimentality, let’s get on with things shall we …
There’s a lot written about trust – and so there should be, because it’s important.
But what I find interesting is that it is often expressed as ‘knowing the person will deliver what is expected of them’.
And while that is most definitely part of it, for me – it’s not really that.
Let’s be honest, that’s kind-of the minimum requirement you would – and should – expect when working with someone else.
No, for me, trust is far more about attitude, not just execution.
That you feel they care as much as you.
That they are committing to the goal, not just are interested in it.
That they are living up to the standards, expectations and effort you know they’re capable of doing.
That they will challenge and question …
Not to subjectively undermine, but to objectively make sure you’re being the best you can be.
Which is why listening is as much of a measure of their commitment as action.
And that’s why I think there’s a major difference between trusting a ‘supplier’ and trusting a ‘colleague’.
Because trusting a supplier comes down to a binary evaluation: they either delivered what was expected or not.
But trusting a colleague is much more nuanced …
Because it’s not just what ends up being created … but how it was done.
The problem is – in my mind – too few appreciate this difference, so the quality of the development is often dismissed in favor of the delivery of an outcome. And even then, the quality of outcome often doesn’t hold as much importance as the timing of it.
Which is why if you are lucky enough to find someone who you really work brilliantly with – be it colleague or client – embrace it, nurture it and treasure it.
Because they don’t just make the work more enjoyable …
And don’t just elevate your abilities, standards and taste …
They make sure everything you do feels exciting and worth doing, and in this quick-win, sprint-obsessed world we live in, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.
It’s important to note this is not simply about getting on with people, or having a laugh …
Oh no, this is much more focused than that, which is probably why it doesn’t happen nearly as much as we think.
Or hope.
It’s why I resonated with a phrase I heard someone say recently:
Love lots. Trust few. Always paddle your own canoe.
Which is why I am so grateful to PB, GB, AB, JC, RM, AW, MS and SP, for all they’ve done for me by going on journeys with me.
Of course there’s others – and I consider myself very lucky for that – but these are the ones who have proved it every time, and I just hope they feel they can say the same about me. Guess one day we’ll find out … ha.