Who Do You Trust

Who do you trust?

Trust is a funny thing.  It can take years to build but only seconds to destroy.  We teach our children at a young age to be weary of and not talk to strangers. For many, that caution carries forward to adulthood. Most of us are careful who we trust.   

 

Our Need for Trust

We need people and institutions to trust. 

Trust means having faith in others and believing them.  Drawing on the support of others is not a sign of weakness. To the contrary, it is a personal strength. None of us is smart enough to "go it alone." We use trust during times of need for support and direction.  Trust is used to cope with personal vulnerability, conflict and decision dilemmas.

 

We trust people for different reasons including their expertise, judgment, discreteness, emotional support, integrity and execution ability.

 

Roles for a Trusted Partner

Trusted partners offer different combinations of these characteristics.  Each of us has a support group to help us during difficult times and in the face of adversity. Your world likely is supported by a "cabinet of trust" that represents different roles.  These roles include:

 

  • Truthtellers: People that are sought out for their honesty, directness and straight talk  
  • True Believers: People who believe in you and provide unconditional support 
  • Morale Compasses: People that have an unwavering sense of right and wrong 
  • Confidants: People who are discrete with sensitive information or are safe to expose personal vulnerabilities
  • Yodas: People who use their expertise and accumulated wisdom to provide perspective and direction 
  • Go-toers: People who consistently get things done. 
  • Consigliere: A close confidant or elder statesman/woman who gives advice without self interest or personal ambition.

 

For many, spouses play several of these roles in family and career.  I have been blessed with a broad "cabinet" of trusted partners.  I call my support group "Team Glenn."  What do you call your support team?   

 

   

Pushing the Edge of Your Thinking

  • Who is in your cabinet of trust?
  • Do they know it?
  • Are you aware of who relies on you for support and advice?
  • How do we teach our children to trust others and us?
  • How do we learn to trust the judgment of our children?

In future months I will discuss institutional trust as well as how we become trusted by others.

 

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