CM 288: Charles Feltman on a New Understanding of Trust
Mar 23, 2025
auto_awesome
In this insightful discussion, Charles Feltman, a leadership coach and author of "The Thin Book of Trust," unpacks trust as a complex, four-dimensional construct rather than a simple yes or no. He highlights how vulnerability intertwines with trust and outlines a framework of care, sincerity, reliability, and competence essential for fostering team dynamics. Feltman also dives into the neuroscience behind trust, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and effective communication in building strong workplace relationships.
Trust is a multidimensional concept encompassing care, sincerity, reliability, and competence, which helps in identifying gaps in relationships.
Acknowledging vulnerability as an inherent part of trust fosters empathy and openness, enhancing communication and resolution in interactions.
Deep dives
Understanding Trust Beyond Binary Thinking
Trust is often seen as a binary concept—either you trust someone or you don't—but this perspective is limited. Trust can actually be understood through four distinct dimensions: care, sincerity, reliability, and competence. Each dimension allows individuals to assess relationships at different levels, recognizing that a lack of trust in one area does not eliminate trust in others. This more nuanced understanding encourages individuals to identify specific issues within their relationships, opening the door to better communication and resolution.
The Importance of Vulnerability in Trust
Trust inherently involves vulnerability, as it means risking something valuable to us in the hands of another person. This vulnerability exists even when we believe we can predict another’s actions. Acknowledging this connection helps individuals to process their feelings and behaviors regarding trust, which is essential for fostering healthy relationships. By recognizing that vulnerability is a natural part of trust, individuals can approach their interactions with greater empathy and openness.
Building Reliable Commitments through Effective Communication
Effective communication is crucial for building reliability and trust in relationships, particularly in the workplace. The concept of the 'cycle of commitment' emphasizes the need for clear and complete requests to ensure mutual understanding. When commitments are made without clarity, it can lead to unmet expectations and subsequent distrust. By fostering a dialog about expectations and actively renegotiating when needed, individuals can create a culture of responsibility and reliability, enhancing overall team performance.
Evaluating Competence and Its Role in Trust
Competence is a key factor in trust, but it is often subject to the standards and expectations set by teams. Individuals assess others' competence based on shared criteria, and clear communication about these standards is vital. Furthermore, acknowledging one's limitations and seeking help can enhance one's trustworthiness in a team setting. By discussing standards for competence and providing constructive feedback, teams can cultivate a more trustworthy environment where individuals feel supported and accountable.
On the surface, trust seems simple. You either trust someone or you don’t. That’s why I was so intrigued by Charles Feltman’s book, The Thin Book of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work.
Charles is a leadership coach and trust expert. And where others view trust as binary, he sees it in four dimensions.
He describes what each dimension looks like and explains how to assess the gaps. Then he talks about how we can address those gaps in ourselves – and with others, including our managers.
I’m able to see trust in a completely different way and think you will, too.
Related Links
Interview with Michael Wenderoth
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
Support the Podcast
If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.
Subscribe
Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode