Every human needs to be connected to other people.

Unfortunately, people are all flawed and make mistakes. Compounded with the messiness of communication, you end up with chaos. That’s what it means to be human.

But we know all that. What I’m focusing on today is that connecting with others is an act of becoming vulnerable. It’s risky.

Remember that trust is built precisely because two or more people are taking risks with each other. And trust is the foundation for healthy relationships in business or anywhere else.

The challenge is to not do too much at each step. Think of dating: you start off meeting each other, then knowing more about them as an individual, then slowly getting into more sensitive topics. It takes time.

At each step you’re vulnerable, gradually, but not as vulnerable as when (and if) you make the Big Commitment.

To form trust in business – with employees, customers, partners, superiors – you’re going to have to be vulnerable. To take a bit of risk.

And with work, that will blossom into something wonderful!