I recently read a definition of trust by Charles Feltman who describes it as choosing to risk making something you value vulnerable to another person’s actions and distrust as deciding that what is important to me is not safe with the person in this or any situation.
I think this is such a great description that I felt compelled to share it. So often when I start coaching either a private or corporate client, one of the first thing we talk about is their values – what they truly value above all in their working and personal relationships and 8 times out of 10 mutual trust is on the list. It usually assumes even more importance if we have been in a relationship where trust has been broken – then we can truly understand just how important it has been in the first place.
If you are not feeling that you truly trusted, perhaps ask why they may not feel safe to place their trust in your hands. If, however, someone does place their trust in you, treat it with respect and with extreme care. It is a precious gift.