Hello there!
How are you doing and how's the week been?
On Wednesday, I ran a workshop with a fantastic company all about building trust through communication. We were really trying to break down how their communication styles were affecting their trust levels in the business because trust doesn’t just happen - it’s built, moment by moment, in the way we speak and relate with each other.
One of the biggest things that came up? Assumptions. And this business realised they are absolute terrors for making them!
Here’s what I mean by that:
- Assuming someone knows what we want, only to feel frustrated when they don’t do it.
- When expectations aren’t met, assuming things about that person’s character (“They don’t care” or “They’re not committed”).
- Jumping to conclusions about what someone needs, rather than taking the time to ask. We think we’re being helpful, but if we’re actually offering solutions that don’t align with what they truly need it can leave both sides feeling disconnected and disengaged.
The good news? The team really got it and have decided to tackle this head-on. And what’s great about their approach is that it’s not about waiting for a big company-wide shift. They're looking at how each person can take individual responsibility - asking more questions, being more curious, and catching themselves before making assumptions.
What I love most about this is how empowering this shift can feel. It can feel frustrating when we believe communication breakdowns are outside of our control. But when we realise that we have the power to clarify what we need, to ask more questions, to listen better, and to approach situations with curiosity instead of assumption, we can take back control.
And that’s what really builds trust. Not huge, sweeping changes, but small, intentional shifts that each of us can make - starting today.
I would love to hear what you think about this. Can you see how assumptions affect the trust in your team?
Have a great week as ever!
All my love,
Cate x
Hello there!
How are you doing and how's the week been?
On Wednesday, I ran a workshop with a fantastic company all about building trust through communication. We were really trying to break down how their communication styles were affecting their trust levels in the business because trust doesn’t just happen - it’s built, moment by moment, in the way we speak and relate with each other.
One of the biggest things that came up? Assumptions. And this business realised they are absolute terrors for making them!
Here’s what I mean by that:
- Assuming someone knows what we want, only to feel frustrated when they don’t do it.
- When expectations aren’t met, assuming things about that person’s character (“They don’t care” or “They’re not committed”).
- Jumping to conclusions about what someone needs, rather than taking the time to ask. We think we’re being helpful, but if we’re actually offering solutions that don’t align with what they truly need it can leave both sides feeling disconnected and disengaged.
The good news? The team really got it and have decided to tackle this head-on. And what’s great about their approach is that it’s not about waiting for a big company-wide shift. They're looking at how each person can take individual responsibility - asking more questions, being more curious, and catching themselves before making assumptions.
What I love most about this is how empowering this shift can feel. It can feel frustrating when we believe communication breakdowns are outside of our control. But when we realise that we have the power to clarify what we need, to ask more questions, to listen better, and to approach situations with curiosity instead of assumption, we can take back control.
And that’s what really builds trust. Not huge, sweeping changes, but small, intentional shifts that each of us can make - starting today.
I would love to hear what you think about this. Can you see how assumptions affect the trust in your team?
Have a great week as ever!
All my love,
Cate x
