05/14/2026
Trust isn’t built in giant moments. It’s built in marbles. 🫙
This week, while facilitating with a client, BIG President brought a simple jar of marbles into the room.
Then she asked the Executive Director and board members a question:
“What’s one small action that helps build trust with your clients, donors, team, or community?”
One by one, they shared their answers and dropped a marble into the jar.
The room shifted.
Because trust suddenly became tangible.
Here’s what came up:
• Following through when you say you will
• Sending thank you notes quickly, not months later
• Returning phone calls promptly
• Being honest, always
• Remembering personal details that matter
• Listening more than talking
• Asking thoughtful questions instead of making assumptions
• Keeping confidences
• Showing consistency, especially when things get hard
• Treating every donor, client, or guest with dignity, not based on gift size or influence
Here’s the leadership reality:
Trust is rarely lost in one dramatic explosion.
It usually leaks out through small disappointments, inconsistency, poor communication, or silence.
But the good news?
Trust is rebuilt the same way.
One marble at a time.
If you lead a nonprofit, business, ministry, or team, ask yourself:
What marbles are you intentionally putting in the jar this week?
Because strategy matters.
Vision matters.
Fundraising matters.
But without trust?
Everything gets harder.
At BIG, we help leaders strengthen culture, communication, trust, and momentum…because no leader should have to walk alone.
