Account Starts At Zero

Every interaction with your team is a transaction.

Small commitment kept? Deposit.

Promise broken? Withdrawal.

Show up on time? Deposit.

Cancel last minute? Withdrawal.

Ask for input and use it? Deposit.

Ask for input and ignore it? Withdrawal.

The account balance determines what you can do.

High balance? You can make a withdrawal when you need it.

Miss a deadline. Make a tough call. Ask for extra effort. The balance covers it.

Zero balance? Every request feels like theft.

Every ask creates resentment. You're trying to withdraw what you never deposited.

Negative balance? You're done.

People stop believing anything you say.

Here's what kills most leaders:

They think the account starts neutral. It doesn't.

New relationship starts at zero. Which means you need deposits before you can make withdrawals.

You can't spend trust you haven't earned. The bank doesn't give credit.

Make deposits first. Build the balance. Then spend carefully.

But here's what confuses most people: they're making deposits in the wrong account. They build rapport when they need trust.