I am naturally open and have a leaning towards trust as a default, until of course I’m bitten or receive some other signal that I’m being used.
I have been reading a lot of books and other content about this broader topic, but not as a central theme. The themes were much more about ideas and sharing and how magical things can happen. The topic of trust and its impact doesn’t seem to figure highly, but I do wonder whether this can limit collaboration if there’s an unsaid trust question somewhere in the “group”
Is the elephant in the room?
Can ideas truly flow unencumbered, if there are (unsaid) issues within a group, whereby the trust question is not addressed?
Will all group members really bring their collaboration and sharing “A” game I wonder?
Does it matter if some are open in spite of this?
Personally, I’d postulate that it’s not optimal if you’re not all equally invested and some are holding back. So is the answer that all parties sign some kind of NDA? Does this work in practice, or is an NDA now so default in business discussions, that they’re all too easily signed and filed without real attention and commitment?
All these questions bubble to the surface often for me, as the topic has huge significance to the work that I undertake. So all of this relies on a high degree of trust.
Making progress (and quickly) is rather tricky without it
I have been around a while and seen some stuff for sure. I have experienced some good, some bad, and some indifferent. Some have been downright fabulous.
I am still hugely motivated to get up every day and be curious. I love tech and business, and most of all dogs, oh and people are ok too ;-)
Having been in sales most of my working life, I have a real interest in the art and science and am a committed lifelong learner - constantly frustrating my kids with my stock phrase "every day is a school day"
Personally, I’m a husband to one, and father to five amazing children (none of them is now a child, but independent adults) and my golden lab, Archie, who is always pleased to see me. (edit - We said goodbye to my boy in Feb 2025, and in July 2025 we welcomed rescue "Cally" into our home and hearts - a 4 YO boxer/staffy cross, and a really sweet girl
I was blessed with becoming a Granddad in February 2021 (a very proud and somewhat besotted one) and another grandson arrived in October 2022 to keep their parents busy and for me to spoil. My second eldest then added a third to the mix, in 2026, so now a granddad to 3 fabulous boys x
I am also a mad keen lover of the oval ball game and a lifelong supporter of Leicester Tigers. As an Englishman, that's therefore England at a national level and the British and Irish Lions.
If I can be of service in any way, including any area of developing a channel sales and support business or ecosystem partnerships, and or sales coaching or development, you can find me at the link below, and contact me via the form also.
One of my favourite "quotes" is
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, with a beer in one hand, shouting "Whoo, what a ride!!"
Views here are 100% my own. https://grahambunting.bio.link/
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Graham Bunting -The Partner Catalyst 