Podcast Summary: Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Episode: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace with Minda Hartz
Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Nicole Lapin
Guest: Minda Hartz
Introduction
In this insightful episode of Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, financial expert Nicole Lapin welcomes Minda Hartz, a best-selling author and workplace advocate, to discuss the pivotal role of trust in the workplace. The conversation delves into Minda’s personal journey, her experiences navigating toxic work environments, and her groundbreaking work on the seven trust languages aimed at fostering healthier, more productive workplaces.
Minda Hartz’s Journey to Trust Advocacy
Minda Hartz opens up about her diverse career aspirations and her transition from aspiring dentist to workplace advocate. Initially, Hartz worked as an administrative assistant, where she was often the only woman or the only woman of color in the room. These experiences of isolation and witnessing toxic workplace cultures inspired her to create a blog documenting her struggles as one of the few women of color in corporate America.
Notable Quote:
“Every job that I had, once I graduated from college, I was always the only... woman of color... in a world that I wasn't necessarily thought about, but I was accepted in.”
— Minda Hartz [04:53]
Her blog resonated with many, leading to her best-selling book, The Memo. This book provided practical advice for professionals navigating similar challenges, emphasizing self-advocacy and creating lasting career change.
The Genesis of “Talk To Me: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace”
Transitioning from her first book, Hartz identifies trust as the core issue affecting workplace dynamics. Inspired by conversations at conferences and recognizing the universal impact of trust—regardless of role or industry—she developed the concept of the seven trust languages. Her new book, Talk To Me Nice, offers actionable strategies to build and restore trust within teams, ultimately enhancing both employee well-being and business performance.
Notable Quote:
“Trust is a global language and experience. And so I wanted to be able to say, you know, if we have these so-called love languages that have entered into the cultural zeitgeist, what about trust languages?”
— Minda Hartz [10:27]
Understanding the Seven Trust Languages
Hartz outlines the seven trust languages essential for fostering a better workplace:
- Transparency: Open and honest communication about decisions and changes.
- Follow Through: Consistently meeting commitments and promises.
- Feedback: Providing constructive and timely feedback to colleagues.
- Security: Ensuring a safe and stable work environment.
- Acknowledgment: Recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts and achievements.
- Demonstration: Leading by example and embodying company values.
- Sensitivity: Being attuned to colleagues’ emotions and perspectives.
Notable Quote:
“If we're speaking each other's language a little bit more than we were the day before or an hour before, then that person can trust us a little bit.”
— Minda Hartz [15:21]
Hartz emphasizes that while no one is expected to master all seven languages, increasing awareness and effort in any of them can significantly bolster trust within a team.
The Trust Equation
To provide a concrete framework for understanding trust, Hartz introduces the Trust Equation:
Credibility + Reliability = Transparency / Self-Awareness
This equation underscores that building trust requires individuals to be credible and reliable while maintaining transparency, all moderated by self-awareness. Hartz explains how this equation helps individuals assess their own trustworthiness and identify areas for improvement.
Notable Quote:
“Trust is credibility plus reliability equals transparency divided by self-awareness.”
— Minda Hartz [25:23]
Rebuilding Broken Trust
Hartz discusses the challenges of rebuilding trust once it has been damaged. She advocates for owning mistakes and demonstrating a genuine commitment to change.
Notable Quote:
“If somebody does something to me and I trust them initially and then they do some kind of shady move, I would prefer them to come and say, you know what, Minda, sorry I failed you...”
— Minda Hartz [21:09]
She highlights that rebuilding trust is possible but requires consistent effort, accountability, and transparent communication. Hartz also shares personal anecdotes, such as revealing discrepancies in salary within her team, to illustrate how transparency can enhance trust across an organization.
Practical Strategies for Leaders
Hartz offers actionable advice for leaders seeking to cultivate trust within their teams:
- Self-Awareness: Leaders must recognize their own role in either fostering or eroding trust.
- Open Dialogue: Encouraging honest conversations about needs and expectations.
- Customized Communication: Understanding that different team members may require different trust languages.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly assessing and adjusting leadership approaches to maintain and build trust.
Notable Quote:
“Leadership is not a one size fits all. You might have three people on your team that are your go-to. But what about that person who's maybe an introvert... what is it that you need to say to them so that you know what language they need to speak?”
— Minda Hartz [35:07]
Case Study: The Golden Girls
To illustrate the impact of trust (or lack thereof), Hartz references an episode of The Golden Girls where trust issues arise from Rose's decision to bring a pig into the home without full transparency. This example underscores how transparency and acknowledgment are crucial for maintaining trust in any relationship, including professional settings.
Notable Quote:
“When Rose communicates openly and prioritizes what's best for everybody in the house, she's able to start restoring the trust.”
— Minda Hartz [28:09]
Empowering Employees and Leaders
Hartz encourages employees to proactively address trust issues by articulating their needs using the seven trust languages. For leaders, she recommends engaging in training, such as the Trust Language of Leadership course she developed in partnership with LinkedIn Learning, to better understand and implement trust-building strategies.
Notable Quote:
“If you're a manager and you're listening or you aspire to be in a management position, these are now something that you can get this book for your team and say, let's talk about...”
— Minda Hartz [33:33]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Hartz promoting her upcoming book, Talk To Me Nice, available for pre-order and set to release on July 23. She reiterates the importance of trust in the workplace and encourages listeners to adopt the seven trust languages to create more supportive and effective work environments.
Notable Quote:
“Talk to Me Nice by Minda Hartz, wherever you like to buy your books. And it comes out July 23 this year.”
— Minda Hartz [37:34]
Nicole Lapin wraps up by inviting listeners to engage with Money Rehab for more financial and professional development insights.
Key Takeaways
- Trust is Fundamental: Trust significantly impacts team dynamics, employee retention, and overall business performance.
- Seven Trust Languages: Implementing transparency, follow through, feedback, security, acknowledgment, demonstration, and sensitivity can enhance trust within the workplace.
- Trust Equation: Understanding and applying the Trust Equation can help individuals assess and improve their trustworthiness.
- Rebuilding Trust: While challenging, trust can be rebuilt through accountability, consistent behavior, and open communication.
- Leadership Strategies: Leaders must cultivate self-awareness, encourage open dialogue, and tailor their communication to meet diverse team needs to foster a trustworthy environment.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals seeking to navigate and improve trust within their workplaces, offering both theoretical frameworks and practical strategies to achieve a more harmonious and productive work environment.