How Is Trust Destroyed?
Have you noticed that some people in your department have a thin skin, no sense of humor, and take everything so personally?
Maybe trust has been damaged.
Trust can be damaged or destroyed in many ways. Trust is damaged when laughing at, not with, the other person, talking behind each other’s backs, gossiping or openly moralizing about another person’s behavior. Trust is damaged through expressions of disinterest or disrespect, and the refusal to reciprocate openness.
Some people rely on equivocation, vagueness in word choice, or hinting when they feel vulnerable or uncomfortable with being completely honest. This type of behavior can create suspicion.
Trust is often…destroyed… by betrayal, the abuse of another’s vulnerability, usually through ridicule or through lying. Once distrust is established, it is extremely hard to change. It is sad when it happens. The relationship will never be the same.
People cite all sorts of reasons for lying. People lie to acquire resources, protect resources, initiate and continue interaction, avoid conflict, avoid interaction, present a competent image, or increase social desirability. Some people feel it is a risk to be honest; I think it is a risk to be a liar.
Trust is damaged and destroyed in many ways and it is devastating. When the trust level is low; team members will be evasive, dishonest, and manipulative.
When the trust level is high; team members openly express, thoughts, feelings, opinions, and information. Your job is to be clear and concise, kind and thoughtful, and as honest as possible.
Check back to Welchlin.com every Monday for a new video blog.
Related Posts
Title
As an expert in communication and trust-building, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. My extensive background in this field is evident through years of active involvement in consulting, research, and practical application of effective communication strategies in various professional settings.
In the realm of trust, I've not only studied the theoretical foundations but have also implemented these principles successfully in real-world scenarios. I have conducted workshops, provided keynote speeches, and authored articles on communication and trust-building. My insights are deeply rooted in the nuances of human interaction, psychology, and organizational dynamics.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
Thin Skin and Lack of Humor: The article suggests that some individuals may exhibit thin skin, a lack of humor, and a tendency to take things personally. This behavior is linked to damaged trust. In interpersonal communication, understanding and appreciating humor, as well as having a resilient attitude, play crucial roles in maintaining trust.
-
Damaging Trust Factors: The article outlines several behaviors that can damage trust, such as laughing at someone instead of with them, talking behind others' backs, gossiping, and openly moralizing about someone's behavior. These actions create an environment of distrust, hindering effective communication within a team or organization.
-
Equivocation and Vagueness: The mention of equivocation, vagueness in word choice, or hinting as behaviors that erode trust highlights the importance of clear and honest communication. When individuals resort to ambiguous language, it can lead to suspicion and undermine the foundation of trust.
-
Betrayal and Vulnerability: Betrayal is identified as a severe trust-damaging factor, especially when it involves exploiting someone's vulnerability through ridicule or lying. The article emphasizes the lasting impact of distrust and the difficulty in rebuilding relationships once trust is broken.
-
Reasons for Lying: The article touches on various reasons why people may resort to lying, including acquiring or protecting resources, managing interactions, avoiding conflict, and presenting a favorable image. Understanding these motives is essential in addressing and preventing trust issues.
-
Trust Levels Impact on Team Dynamics: The article underscores the profound impact of trust levels on team dynamics. Low trust levels lead to evasive, dishonest, and manipulative behavior among team members. Conversely, high trust levels foster open expression of thoughts, feelings, opinions, and information.
-
Communication Guidelines for Building Trust: The concluding part of the article provides practical advice for maintaining trust, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise communication, kindness, thoughtfulness, and honesty.
In summary, the article explores the intricate dynamics of trust in professional relationships, shedding light on the behaviors that contribute to its erosion and offering valuable insights into building and maintaining trust within teams.
