In the business world, if a company consistently performs well, it is said of them that they have a good track record.
When a company has a good track record, people feel more confident about investing in that company and expect it to continue to do well. When Steve Jobs came back to Apple Computer in 1997, Apple was not the powerhouse company it is today. Few people trusted him to take the company to new heights. But if you’d believed in him then and bought about $2,100 in stock, and held it for 14 years till Steve resigned as CEO, your stock value would have been about $150,000. People came to trust his leadership and invest in the company.
You are a lot like Steve Jobs in your home. Your parents have high hopes for you to grow up and be responsible. They want you to give them reasons to trust you. They want you to establish a track record by your consistent good behavior. Parents love their children, but trust is earned by good behavior. These are separate concepts.
Discuss: How are love and trust different?
Discuss: What are some ways to establish a good track record and get your parents to trust you with greater freedom?
Answers could include:
- Always ask permission to go somewhere before going
- Tell your parents what time you’ll be home and never be late
- If you know you’re going to be late and can’t help it, call immediately and explain the situation so your parents know what’s happening
