Systems of Trust

Trust lies at the heart of human relationships, serving as the bedrock of our evolution as a species. Our ancestors thrived in cooperative social groups, relying on the unspoken social contract that each member would uphold their responsibilities. Trust was relatively easy to establish or dissolve in these small groups, as it was based on personal experiences and information shared within the community.

The question then arises: how do organizations function in terms of trust? Leaders must earn the trust of their team members, and individuals must trust those making crucial decisions on their behalf. This challenge is magnified due to the lack of personal interaction with all decision-makers. The answer lies in shifting from individual trust to organizational trust. People place their faith in the system and the roles it defines, as long as it continues to work for them by providing security, affluence, or opportunities.

Trust underpins various aspects of our lives, from driving on roads to renting an apartment. Currency, too, is a manifestation of trust, with people accepting otherwise ordinary pieces of paper as a representation of their time and expertise. High levels of trust are correlated with better quality of life in countries.

Reflecting on the recent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the decision of the Vice-President and other intelligent people in the Senate and Congress to uphold the election of DJT was crucial in safeguarding trust in the democratic system. Removing the president illegally could have plunged the country into anarchy.

Trust is also a critical component of successful products. Google’s success, for instance, can be attributed to the integrity of its search results, which have never been compromised for higher earnings. Conversely, Facebook has seen a decline in trust since the 2016 presidential elections, causing many to abandon the platform.

In the workplace, trust plays a significant role in promotions and task allocations. While we may believe that meritocracy is the norm, trust in an individual’s ability and reliability is often more influential. Factors such as race, gender, language, and background can also impact perceived trust, which in turn can increase anxiety, hamper innovation, and drain energy.

Ultimately, understanding and leveraging trust within systems is essential for achieving success and fostering positive relationships in our increasingly interconnected world.