Trust Pulse Result:

Narrative Vulnerability

External narratives are likely shaping decisions in ways that try to pull the work away from the organization’s mission

Benefits difficult to see and narratives shaped externally

Understanding your result:

You are in the Narrative Vulnerability space when the benefits your organization delivers are difficult for others to see and external narratives shape the story about your work.

You are deeply aware that others don't see your work accurately and that can have an impact on the work you do, unintentionally or not.
When you explain your work, it often comes out in technical language.
Stories about your organization from the outside tend to carry more outside influence than your own.
You worry that those in a position to judge you cannot see the quality of the work.
You spend considerable time correcting misunderstandings or explaining decisions that should be simple.

If this sounds familiar, your organization is not alone — this is far more common than most people realize.

Narrative Vulnerability does NOT mean your organization lacks integrity

It means something structural is happening

It means:

External narratives are overpowering your ability to explain your work.
People who do not see your work often feel confident interpreting it anyway.
A shared vocabulary that puts everyone on the same page is likely missing.
People — inside and outside the organization — lack clear visibility into your efforts.

What to do with this profile:

Reflect on it. Five questions provide a strong signal, but every organization’s situation is different.
Take a personal next step. Visit with us — no pressure. We can help identify pressure points and suggest actions you can take immediately. Just reach out.
Take a next step for your organization. The Organizational Trust Profile can help define the moves needed to move beyond the Narrative Vulnerability quadrant.

Next level: Get your full Organizational Trust Inventory

The Trust Pulse identifies where trust is breaking down. The Organizational Trust Inventory shows why.

If you want to understand the full system behind your result, the next step is the Organizational Trust Inventory.

Using a research-based survey, and in only about 15–20 minutes, your leadership team will be able to:

Map your trust patterns across all four profiles.
Identify specific vulnerabilities that could impact partnerships, funding, community, or policymaker confidence.
Determine where the gravity components need to mitigated.
Determine the work to be done in the service of moving towards and/or sustaining narrative leadership.

Your Narrative Vulnerability profile is a great starting point. The question now is: What needs to be done across the organization to defy the effects gravity and take meaningful steps towards durable trust?

That’s what the full Organizational Trust Inventory will show you.

Get your organization’s Trust Inventory

Investment starts at $295 for individual leaders, and $1,400 for leadership teams.

After completing the Organizational Trust Inventory, there are two ways to deepen the work:

Option #A: 6‑Part Trust & Stakeholder Seminar (open enrollment)

For individual leaders who want to deepen their practice.

Six 75‑minute sessions.
We emphasize the architecture behind trust and how to use it effectively.
We focus on building durable trust both internally and with stakeholders, community partners, funders, policy makers, and anyone else who matters to your organization.
You'll leave with practical tools you can apply starting day 1.

Option B: Custom Leadership Team Learning Experience

For organizations that want to align a whole leadership team around trusted narrative.

Designed around your needs.
Built around your Organizational Trust Inventory.
Apply the trust-building framework and tools in your real world situations.
Combines learning, reflection, and concrete planning.
Ideal for any leadership team where trust is a worthwhile thing to have.

Apply for the experience