What is Trust?

Trust is the core – a fundamental, timeless spiritual dimension and, in the world of business, a bottom line market asset. If trust isn’t present, everything’s harder.

Trust is a powerful and complex word. Derived from the German word trost, which suggests comfort. Look up Trust in the dictionary and you’ll find many definitions:

Noun: 1) Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing; 2) Confidence in and reliance on good qualities, especially fairness, truth, honor, or ability; 3) Dependence upon something in the future; hope; 4) Believing in the honesty and reliability of others; 4) Allow without fear; 5) Certainty based on past experience; 6) Choosing to risk making something you value vulnerable to another person’s actions; Synonyms: Faith, reliance, confidence, belief, hope.

A universal definition of trust doesn’t exist because we all look at trust differently. While it may not be possible to find THE definition of Trust, we do need to identify, describe and understand it before we can begin to build, strengthen or restore trust.

Trust matters. Every day, in every person, and in everything, trust matters.

Trust, Leap of faithTrust is the great intangible at the heart of every relationship and the most important currency we have in business.

Trust is the core issue impacting organizational, team and leadership effectiveness. Trust adds value for businesses, their customers and audiences. Trust means a commitment to truth, open communication, sharing and collaboration, and caring relationships. Why Trust Matters »

The soft stuff in trust is the hard stuff in trust: accountability, authenticity, credibility, honesty, integrity, respect and transparency.

Trust in Business: Doing the right thing and doing things right for the good of all shareholders through the strategic alignment of values with behavior, words and actions.

View our Services to learn more about The Spirit of Relationship »