The Power of Priorities: Trust, Relationships, and Action

In business, as in life, certain values consistently outperform others. Over the years, I’ve seen this play out time and time again—whether in leading teams, running a company, or building relationships. There are three key "greater than" principles that have become foundational in my work: Trust is greater than Skill, Relationships are greater than Money, and Doers are greater than Complainers.

Trust > Skill

It’s tempting to hire someone based on their skills alone, but I’ve learned that trust is far more valuable. Skills can be taught, but trust has to be earned and nurtured. I’d rather work with someone who may need training but can be trusted to follow through on their commitments. This trust builds a foundation for success. When you can rely on your team to operate with integrity, you’ll find the work gets done faster, better, and with fewer complications. The best partnerships are built on trust, not just technical know-how.

Relationships > Money

Early in my career, I focused on the financial bottom line. But over time, I’ve realized that relationships are the real currency of success. Strong relationships can open doors that money can’t buy. Whether it’s networking at a community event or following up on a client’s needs, investing in relationships pays dividends in ways that money alone never will. People want to work with those they trust and like, and genuine connections often lead to more sustainable success than a quick sale ever could.

Doers > Complainers

There’s a difference between pointing out a problem and taking action to solve it. Every business needs people who are proactive and willing to put in the work to make things happen. Doers don’t just sit back and critique—they find ways to improve, innovate, and move forward. The key to leading a successful team is surrounding yourself with doers who can turn ideas into reality. Complaining may highlight issues, but action solves them.