Lessons Learned by a Legendary Leader
A Conversation with Carin Stutz
2011-2012 WFF Chair Elect and
President Global Business Development for Brinker International
In this episode of Success Talks, Carin Stutz and moderator Linda Pharr, focused on the WFF core competency of Building Trust. Carin shared how the values she grew up with from an early age have shaped her ability to be trustworthy and to trust others, while also providing great insight into how those without that type of upbringing might also build trust. Much of the conversation centered around three core traits that make up the ability to build trust –Confidence, Optimism, and Competitiveness. Too little or too much of any of these traits can negatively impact trust of colleagues, supervisors, or team members.
Confidence
Carin stated we must have an appropriate amount of confidence in our abilities and skills. We can’t necessarily trust others to notice what we’re doing well; rather, we must advocate for ourselves. It’s okay to say “Thank you”
when someone gives a compliment, rather than always deflecting it and crediting all the success to the team. A solid level of confidence in yourself allows you to more easily trust others overall.
Optimism
Carin learned from early on to assume positive intent and spend time with positive people rather than those who might be negative and drag others down. Assuming positive intent will help avoid the tendency of micromanagement.
Some may not make the connection between trust and micromanagement, but there is surely a connection. Managers who spend significant time micromanaging send a signal to their team that trust is not there and must be earned.
A belief that team members can contribute combined with clearly defined goals leads to exceptional results. A manager who chooses to take the micromanagement approach must know more and be better because team members will "fly under the radar"
and contribute less and less to business outcomes.
Competitiveness
As a competitive woman, Carin talked about having to learn when and how to be competitive in the workplace. It's critical to have the right level of competitiveness to speak up and make sure your idea is heard, but it is also necessary to balance
getting your ideas heard with listening and validating the ideas of colleagues. Being too competitive might manifest itself in the way we ask questions, coming across as if we’re just angling for an opportunity to make our own point. Spend a moment
thinking about what's being said and inquire further because you are curious, not because you want to "one up" your colleague. Asking questions from a position of curiosity helps ensure real dialogue and real dialogue drives stronger business results.
If women find themselves in a position where they are not being heard, Carin recommends aligning with other women ahead of meetings to talk through ideas and then to make sure each others’ ideas receive ample time and attention during meetings.
Read more about Carin Stutz.