WHAT IS TRUST?

(By Rick Lambert)

Trust is the confidence that channels cooperation toward common goals.

Trust is an expression of confidence

Trust is an action of cooperation

Trust is an expectation of what is desired

Trust is like invested money.  As you place trust in people, you are banking on the hope that your trust will grow in that person. Trust is a gauge of expectation a team member puts on a leader; the greater the trust, the more acceptable the risks.

Trust is like a building.  It’s either being built on something or torn down.  Trust is built on common ground (having things in common with someone else).  The more you have in common (values, goals, purposes, ethics, beliefs, causes – the greater the trust.  If trust is violated, you have to rebuild what you once had in common.  It’s going in the same direction.  (The most similar directions you are heading with someone, the greater the ability to trust and be trusted.)  Having things in common inspires confidence.