This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

S2 Episode 36 We Didn’t Know How Much “Trust” Could Make Joy and Happiness Easier!

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Episode description

Fresh off a “Joyful Leadership” workshop, Amy and Cheryl dig into the quiet engine behind joy and happiness: trust. They unpack how trust (or the lack of it) shows up at work, in partnerships, parenting, even in how we talk to ourselves. Expect real stats, relatable stories (hello, micromanaging), and practical ways to build, rebuild, and protect trust without burning out.

Key topics & takeaways

  • Trust turbocharges wellbeing & results. In high-trust environments: 74% less stress, 50% higher productivity, 106% more energy, 76% more engagement, 40% less burnout, and 13% fewer sick days (stats cited in episode from workplace happiness research).
  • Micromanaging = “I don’t trust you.” Surveillance, keystroke tracking, or over-prescribing the “how” erodes autonomy and joy, and people either disengage or leave.
  • Parallel at home: Treat partners as partners (not “babysitters”). Let different but safe approaches stand; over-functioning is exhausting and signals mistrust.
  • Teens & trust: Pushback is developmentally normal; assume capability, set clear boundaries, and notice where cultural scripts (“you can’t trust teens”) bias your lens.
  • Repair beats rumination. One breach can outweigh many positives. Own it fast, name impact, and map concrete repair steps; rebuilding takes repeated trustworthy moments.
  • Five ways to build trust (daily):
    1. Be honest (including “I don’t know”).
    2. Listen with empathy before solving.
    3. Give it time, trust accrues through consistency.
    4. Invest in relationships/belonging (create chances to know one another).
    5. Hold clean boundaries so your yes stays a yes (say no to over-commitment).
      6. Mind the story your brain tells. Use the Brené Brown prompt: “The story I’m telling myself is…” Then check it with the other person before your brain fills the gaps.
      Self-trust is practice. Align choices with values, get help when needed (therapy is a green flag), and make your mind a more trustworthy narrator.

      Memorable lines

      • “Control is expensive, at work and in relationships.”
      • “I’m not micromanaging; I’m guaranteeing the outcome… is still micromanaging.”
      • “Boundaries make presence possible.”
      • “Before you spiral, verify: ‘The story I’m telling myself is…’”

        • Challenge for the week

        Pick one trust move and do it twice:

        • Work: Delegate outcome, not method. Ask, “What do you need from me to succeed?” then step back.
        • Home: Let a partner handle a routine their way (safety first); say thank you, not “next time do it like…”.
        • Self: When a fear-story pops up, text or tell the person: “Hey,quick check. The story I’m telling myself is ____. Is that accurate?”

          • Additional resources / links

          • Referenced research & ideas:
            • Meik Wiking’s work on happiness (incl. workplace studies)
            • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni (trust as the base layer)
            • Brené Brown & Adam Grant on values alignment and repair (podcast conversations)
            • Related episodes: Ep.27 Delegation (for anti-micromanaging tactics); Ep 3, 17, 34 Joyful Leadership series

              • Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and cited research summaries; it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.

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                      This Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastBy supposedtobeeasy