Knowing who to trust in business is a challenge. Do you wait for evidence or act with the hope that the actions that lead to belief will follow? Is the past a true indicator of the future? Are the experiences of others related to the one that you will have?
In a new role, the question of trust is a real one. In all directions, every relationship is new. Even old ones have a different context. A cynic easily puts out the premise “if someone comes to see me, he mouths empty platitudes, all the while gathering gossip about me to entertain the street-corner crowd.” (Psalm 41.6) On the other end of the spectrum, the naïve assumes that everyone can be trusted until proven otherwise.
If the heart of the lesson is that one should think, consider, and reflect, then the question circles around how. What are the criteria that one should consider? How does one weight and balance them? Is there room for something between naïve blindness and cynical defensiveness?
As I look at the models set by heroes across time, I find several points in common.
Each was transparent in their view. They did not hide. While considerate, they put their view out in the open. The transparency of their view was their strength.
Each treated others with respect. Respect can take many forms. In some cases, it was unlimited amounts of forgiveness. In other cases, the response came in understanding. Occasionally the outcome was to respond with war.
In every situation there was a willingness to let history unfold in the way that the participants decided. Heroes did not determine how others responded – that was their right and obligation.
I realize that there is never certainty in how others respond. What I think others might do is never the sole reason for action. Each moment is an opportunity to act with intent. Doing so with transparency of motive, respect for the freedom within each, and letting life unfold the way it will, is an answer to the fear that seeks to control us.
