Rachel Botsman, a leading expert on trust and author of "Who Can You Trust?" dives into the complexities of trust in our relationships. She discusses why we often misplace our trust and challenges the notion that transparency is a one-size-fits-all solution. Rachel emphasizes the importance of context, empathy in leadership, and the difference between competence and reliability. She also highlights the need for candid communication to rebuild trust in institutions and personal connections, making it clear that authenticity is key in fostering genuine relationships.
Trust is a dynamic relationship with the unknown, and understanding context is key to navigating trust effectively in various situations.
Secrecy should not be equated with a lack of trust; engaging in honest dialogue is essential for rebuilding trust after a breach.
Deep dives
The Nature of Trust
Trust is defined as having a confident relationship with the unknown, which contrasts with the belief that transparency leads to trust. Trust allows individuals to navigate uncertainty, and high-trust cultures often foster innovation and open communication. This view redefines how trust is perceived, suggesting that rather than seeking full transparency, it is vital to understand the context and motivations behind decisions. Effective trust arises when people are comfortable with uncertainty, enabling productive relationships and discussions even in challenging circumstances.
Trust and Risk
Trust issues often relate more to personal comfort with risk than to relationships. Individuals may have varying degrees of trust based on the level of perceived threat in different situations, such as social, physical, or financial risks. For instance, a person may be apprehensive about taking physical risks but more comfortable in business negotiations. Understanding this complexity can help individuals navigate their relationships and build more effective trust structures.
The Role of Context in Trust
Context plays a crucial role in understanding trust, as different scenarios dictate the level and type of trust required. For example, someone might have high trust in a colleague's ability to meet deadlines but not in their financial advice. This nuanced approach highlights the importance of clarity in what individuals can be trusted to do and where they may fall short. By appreciating the specific competencies of others, individuals can foster healthier and more functional relationships.
Deception vs. Secrecy in Trust
Secrecy is often mistakenly viewed as the enemy of trust; however, it is deception that truly undermines trustworthiness. Transparency calls for visibility into actions and motivations, but overemphasis on it can lead to a culture of surveillance rather than fostering honest relationships. To rebuild trust after a breach, it is essential to engage in honest dialogues about experiences and disconnects rather than just demanding transparency. This approach encourages a deeper understanding and helps restore relationships by addressing the root causes of trust breakdowns.
Who do you trust — and when? Rachel Botsman is a leading expert on trust in the modern world, and her new audiobook, How to Trust and Be Trusted, offers bold new ways of thinking about building, maintaining and restoring relationships. Rachel and Adam redefine trust, examine why we often trust the wrong people and question the assumption that transparency is always the solution to our trust issues. Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts