DR,

I really appreciate your thoughtful feedback. I think it is best I have received yet! I appreciate you identifying the typos/misspellings. I often write these articles late at night after I have put my three kids to bed and sometimes… this is the best that I can do.

I like your perspective that trust is simply keeping your word. I don’t disagree with you; you can’t have credibility with another if you don’t keep your word. But, in my experience trust is something a bit more intangible. It is a feeling we have towards others. If I were to put words to that feeling… I would say TRUST it is a genuine belief that others have your best interests at heart and a confidence that others are capable to carry out what you are trusting them with.

For example:

If I am trying to decide what babysitter I trust to watch my kids, I look for two things: 1) are they good natured — do they have my children’s best interests at heart, and 2) are they capable — are they competent to take care of my children. If they don’t have these two things, then I cannot extend trust to them.

In all areas of life people subconsciously make this judgement about others before extending trust. I cannot tell you how many times employees have asked to be trusted in a leadership role because the are highly proficient at their job (are capable), but they are not ready for that responsibility because they don’t work well with others (lack character).

In short, trust is not just your actions, it is also your character (and vice versa).

All the best,
Matt