The Emotional Bank Account - 6 Ways to Build Trust in Your Relationships

"We all know what a financial bank account is. We make deposits into it and build up a reserve from which we can make withdrawals when we need to. An Emotional Bank Account is a metaphor that describes the amount of trust that's been built up in a relationship. It's the feeling of safeness you have with another human being." - Stephen Covey in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"

Regardless of the relationship - spouse, partner, parent, child, co-worker, boss, employee, etc. - you have a metaphorical Emotional Bank Account with that other person.

Maintaining a proper balance in this account is key to having a healthy ongoing relationship with another person.

What do you think about this idea? Do you find it useful for you in your relationships?

Covey identifies 6 major deposits we can make into the Emotional Bank Account:

• Understanding the Individual
• Attending to the Little Things
• Keeping Commitments
• Clarifying Expectations
• Showing Personal Integrity
• Apologizing Sincerely When You Make a Withdrawal

What other things do you do to make deposits into the Emotional Bank Account of your relationships?

This is a discussion group. Please come prepared to be on camera and to share your thoughts on the topic. All are welcome to participate.

You do not need to have read the book, but it may help in the discussion if you have.