Trust is such an ingrained part of our everyday lives that at times it’s invisible. We trust that when we turn on the faucet, water will come out. We trust that when a streetlight turns red, the other cars will stop. But trust has more visibility when the stakes are higher – like when you’re on an adventure or starting and growing your business (which is, in itself, an adventure).

A dog’s lesson in trust.

I recently went dog sledding three hours north of Toronto in a place called South River. On that trip I learned a lot about trust. With four sleds, twenty-four dogs, eight amateur drivers (including me), one guide and subzero temperatures, there was a lot that could go wrong. Even though I’d been on a dog sledding adventure before, it’s not easy to trust a new guide and new teams of dogs and human companions. I also had to place faith in myself that I could handle my sled and be tough enough to endure temperatures that reached almost negative twenty degrees Fahrenheit. But without trust, I would’ve been paralyzed for the whole adventure – I simply had to do it and have confidence in the outcome.

In dog sledding there are very few rules, primarily, because the dogs will pull the sled at all times. But there is one very important rule for a sled driver – NEVER let go of the sled, because if the dogs feel the driver isn’t holding on, they’ll just keep running. This is where trusting my own capabilities came in.

Earning trust with the dogs is important too. When we finished our sledding for the day, the dogs were taken off their sleds, had their harness removed, and were given lots of affection. Since the dogs did most of the hard work, the drivers showed their gratitude by treating them well.  In the evening after a high-protein meal, extra hay was provided to keep the dogs warm while they slept. This is where my dogs and I learned to trust each other.

When you’re traveling in a pack of sleds, it’s extremely important to use the brake on the sled so the dogs slow down on turns and when obstacles arise. In trickier terrain is where I learned to trust the other drivers and our guide.

The trust that I develop in my counterparts allows me to have a wonderful time while I’m dog sledding – it’s exhilarating! Running my business is the same way. I have to place trust in my employees, clients, and vendors so I can be productive and enjoy the ride. Keep these things in mind when you’re getting started and when you’re getting ready to grow.

Pay attention to how trust plays a part in your everyday business operations. If you don’t trust your people, your systems or any other aspect of your business, evaluate why, then fix the problem. Or call us, and we’ll help you find a solution that will keep your business goals on track!