Why Trust Beats Talent Every Time
Hey, it’s your boy Mark Evans DM, and today I want to talk about something that’s made a huge difference in my business and life: choosing trust over talent when building a team. Now, don’t get me wrong—talent is important. But if you can’t trust the people around you, all the talent in the world won’t help you succeed.
Let me tell you why.
Learning the Hard Way
Back in the day, I used to be all about hiring the most talented people I could find. I’d look at resumes, skills, and experience and think, “This person is going to take my business to the next level.” But time and time again, I found myself disappointed.
I remember hiring this one guy who had all the skills on paper. He was a real whiz kid, could do things faster than anyone else. But soon enough, I started noticing problems. He’d miss deadlines, make excuses, and even try to cut corners when he thought I wasn’t looking. Trust went out the window, and all that talent didn’t mean a thing when I couldn’t rely on him.
After a few experiences like that, I realized something important: Trust is the foundation of any strong team. You can train someone to be better at their job, but teaching someone to be trustworthy? That’s a whole different ball game.
The Power of Trustworthy People
When I started focusing on hiring people I could trust, everything changed. My team became more reliable, more cohesive, and more productive. I didn’t have to look over anyone’s shoulder or worry about things getting done. I knew my team had my back, and I had theirs.
One of my best hires was a woman who didn’t have all the fancy qualifications but was honest, hardworking, and eager to learn. I invested time in training her, and she became one of the most valuable members of my team. She took initiative, came up with great ideas, and always followed through on her commitments.
That’s the power of trust. It builds strong relationships and creates an environment where everyone can thrive.
Why Talent Isn’t Everything
Now, I’m not saying talent doesn’t matter—it does. But talent without trust is like a car without gas. It might look good, but it’s not going anywhere.
When you have talented people you can’t trust, you spend more time managing problems and less time growing your business. It creates stress, tension, and can even damage your company’s reputation.
On the other hand, trustworthy people bring stability and consistency. They’re the ones who will stay late to finish a project, tell you the truth even when it’s hard, and work together to overcome challenges.
Building a Trustworthy Team
So how do you find and build a team you can trust? Here are a few things I’ve learned:
Look Beyond the Resume: Don’t get blinded by fancy qualifications. Take the time to get to know the person behind the paper. Ask about their values, their work ethic, and how they handle tough situations.
Check References Carefully: Talk to people they’ve worked with before. Ask about their reliability, honesty, and how they work in a team.
Trust Your Gut: Sometimes, your intuition tells you more than any interview can. If something feels off, pay attention to that feeling.
Create a Culture of Trust: Lead by example. Be honest and transparent with your team, and encourage the same from them. When people feel trusted, they’re more likely to act trustworthy.
The Long-Term Benefits
Choosing trust over talent might take a little more time and effort upfront, but the long-term benefits are huge. You’ll have a team that works well together, supports each other, and is committed to the success of the business.
Plus, when you invest in trustworthy people, you’re also investing in their growth. As they learn and develop new skills, their talent grows alongside their commitment to the team.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, building a successful business isn’t just about having the most talented people—it’s about having people you can count on. Trust is the glue that holds everything together. So next time you’re hiring, remember to look for trust first. You can always train for talent, but trust is priceless.
You’ve got this. Build your team on trust, and watch your business soar.
Mark Evans DM