Rachel Botsman, a world-leading expert on trust, discusses the challenges of building and maintaining trust. Topics include evolving trust in the digital age, navigating trust in remote work environments, and the impact of digital productivity tracking on trust within organizations.
Trust is a subjective belief system essential for meaningful relationships.
Trust fosters innovation by enabling risk-taking and adapting to uncertainties.
Deep dives
Defining Trust as a Belief in Someone or Something
Trust is a multifaceted concept with varying definitions across different fields. While some view it as an asset, currency, or value, the essence of trust lies in the belief we hold towards someone or something. Understanding trust as a subjective and contextual belief system is crucial, highlighting the importance of considering the context in discussions about trust. Clarifying why and how we trust individuals or entities based on beliefs is pivotal for establishing meaningful trust relationships.
The Vital Role of Trust in Innovation and Coping with Uncertainty
Trust plays a vital role in fostering innovation and enabling individuals to navigate uncertainties effectively. Contrary to the traditional view of trust as a social glue, contemporary perspectives emphasize self-trust and the ability to confront ambiguity. Trust facilitates risk-taking, exploration of the unknown, and adaptation to changing circumstances, underscoring its significance in driving innovation and aiding individuals in coping with uncertainties.
Distinguishing Between Transactional Trust and Relational Trust
Trust can be categorized into transactional trust, which is easily eroded, and relational trust, which is built over time through experiences and interactions. Many organizations often focus on transactional aspects of trust, overlooking the deeper relational dimension. While a transactional breach of trust can be swiftly detrimental, relational trust formed through genuine human connections is more resilient and conducive to rebuilding trust after setbacks.
Empathy, Curiosity, and Consistency as Cornerstones for Building Trust
Building trust hinges on embodying qualities such as empathy, curiosity, and consistency. Empathy fosters trust by demonstrating genuine care and interest in others' perspectives and stories. Curiosity, indicating a sincere desire to understand and connect with individuals, reinforces perceptions of empathy and trustworthiness. Consistency in behavior and actions, where individuals know what to expect, forms a stable foundation for trust development and sustenance.
What is trust, and why is it so easy to tear down? In this episode, world leading expert on trust, Rachel Botsman, addresses the challenges of building and maintaining trust. Nicolai and Rachel explore the key moments that foster trust and the essential elements of building strong, enduring relationships in today's digital world.
The production team for this episode includes PLAN-B's Pål Huuse and Niklas Figenschau Johansen. Background research was conducted by Kristian Haga.