Great Star Trek analogy Mike! Vulnerability is crucial to building trust. By it's very definition trust involves risk, and risk involves vulnerability. You can't trust someone without being vulnerable, and conversely, you can't be trustworthy without extending a little vulnerability.

To me, operating with your "shields down" means you get your ego out of the way by being real and genuine - authentic - with people. That lowers suspicion and defensiveness and allows people to trust you more readily.

I'm going to operate with my "shields down" today! Thanks for the advice, Captain!

Randy