In the court of public opinion, we often hear more about breaches of trust than examples of trust.
Whether it is politicians, media, sports teams or the school board, trust can seem to be in short supply. Often, we view trust as stagnant and one dimensional which can leave us feeling powerless. Today I’d like to encourage you that trust is dynamic and multi-dimensional and, when embraced, trust serves as a spring board for healthy and balanced relationships.
Several years (and boards ago), the board of the day found there were significant gaps in our relationships. Recognizing that this was unhealthy for not only the board, but for the whole organization, Senior Administration leadership was asked to help with creating a healthier, more trusting board.
Pastor Andy Stanley’s Trust vs. Suspicion series was used to lead discussions in understanding the meaning of trust and how to learn to “Choose Trust” when working together. It inspired in us the need for being intentional in every interaction. We identified “GAPS” as the difference between expectations and outcomes and how when things don’t go as expected, we can choose to fill gaps with either trust OR suspicion. We talked about the need for coming to each other’s defense if we heard something that doesn’t line up with what we knew to be true. We talked about the need to come to each other first, if something happened that was unexpected. None of this was possible without us being TRUSTWORTHY and committed to each other to be dependable and approachable. “Choose Trust” soon became a common phrase throughout GVSD. It reminded us of the commitment we made to following the trust statements on our board agenda:
Trust Commitments:
1. When there is a gap between what I expect and what I get, I fill it with trust.
2. When I see others fill a gap with suspicion, I will come to your defense.
3. If what I see begins to erode my trust, I’ll come directly to you about it.
Trustworthy Commitments:
1. I’ll do what I say I’ll do and when I don’t, I’ll tell you.
2. I commit not to overpromise and under deliver, but if I do, I will tell you. (avoid surprises)
3. If you confront me about the gaps I’ve created, I’m going to tell you the truth. (don’t cover up mistakes)
As a result, over time and with effort, we healed divisions within the board and became stronger for it.
Fast forward to our current board where trust is often talked about around our table. This intentional culture of trust enables our board relationships to be a safe space to be ourselves. In order to represent the public and openly share our personal beliefs, there needs to be space for respectful disagreement. At the same time, we also keep in mind the board’s responsibility to be trustworthy to the public. We have made it our goal to be as transparent as possible.
Trust is dynamic, however, requiring active partners which is where the public has a role. We invite you to join us on our trust journey. Join your elected school board and your local school by embracing the trust commitments. When you hear something that doesn’t quite fit in with what you expect and it creates a gap, CHOOSE to fill it with trust. Commit to going to the source of that gap with curiosity not judgement. CHOOSE to believe the best in someone and not immediately resort to posting on social media. CHOOSE to uplift your teachers and administrators because they are CHOOSING to trust you as well. It is a big responsibility to be trustworthy and to hold someone’s trust. It’s a fragile relationship that requires constant nurturing. As with everything else, the harder we work on something the more it is appreciated. Your school board is a continual work in progress, and I will take this time to say how incredibly proud I am to be on this board. We have worked hard to create an environment where disagreement is celebrated because we know we are working toward a common mission of “Creating an environment where everyone is inspired to reach their full potential as learners and citizens.”
Respectfully,
Leah Klassen