Leaders Guide to Blind Trust
Being blind I can create a meaningful connection with an individual in a matter of minutes.
The activity of guiding a blind person is a connecting process in more than one way. When someone is guiding a blind person such as me, they have me hold onto their elbow or shoulder. I walk a half step behind them while they are leading me about. This is the physical connection.
The guiding activity is also extremely powerful in the human connection process! It is like an invisible glue for two human beings. It is the magic of touch. The power of the tactile sense. While this helpful guiding activity is unfolding a special connection is being created due to the fact the person is connected to me physically.
The guiding process dramatically accelerates the human connection. Even though this close proximity with a person seems to run against the feelings most individuals in western society have regarding close contact. Individuals in western society are many times uncomfortable with being in too close a contact with strangers or casual acquaintances. An example of this is the awkwardness of a crowded elevator. However, with the guider being in total control of the physical contact a strong bond is quickly formed.
We share information and issues freely. We solve many personal and business problems with heightened creativity. Our solutions are highly effective. And our time is always rewarding and fun filled. A genuine trust is formed.
So is there any surprise that one of the most popular trust exercises for leadership teams revolves around this guiding activity. Having one leader guiding another leader who is blind folded. The tactile sense is accentuated to promote the trust and the visual sense is limited, as it fosters the highest degree of distrust among people. This trust exercise is highly effective and always delivers results for leaders!
The next time you want to build some trust, need a creative solution to a problem or you just want to share a personal moment; carry a blindfold in your pocket? Then guide or be guided by an acquaintance, friend, co-worker or family member. And let the process work its magic.
Or, the next time you’re racing down a side walk; stop and help guide that blind person across the street. There may be more of a reward in the gesture then you think.