If you believe “trust” is fundamental to every good team, company, or relationship, you may want to study the graphic above and commit it to memory. It’s a good blueprint for assessing why trust exists or doesn’t.

We trust competence. We want our surgeons to have many completed surgeries under their belt. We want our coaches to have winning records. We want colleagues who have been “in the hole” and know how to get out.

We trust teammates with proven skills and people who know the path. Experience matters when it comes to trust.

The character also matters. This graphic starts with “intent.” Do we care for each other? Are we open with each other? Is the information required to do my job readily available? Trust is built when we are transparent with each other.

We are also trusted when our integrity is intact. When there is a record of honesty, trust grows. When fair dealing is how resources are allocated, and disputes are resolved, trust grows. When the way people act on a team is free from politics and filled with straight talk, trust exists.

Study up on this. If you find yourself uncomfortable, see if you can pinpoint what’s out of whack. Maybe your considerations and a vow to do something about it can move you along.

-Howe Q Wallace Jr