If Trust Came in Tins

Trust: Apply thinly and regularly

When trust is high, rules and procedures are largely unnecessary; when trust is low they are largely unenforceable.

We know instinctively that meaningful relationships are impossible without trust. It doesn't matter how we want to react to someone; trust (or the lack of it) is instantly detected; we have no choice but to do so, we’re wired up that way.

We know it’s important but how often do we consider its component parts, what creates it, how measure it etc.? This might be a good time to take a look from an angle we perhaps don't consider very often.

Most of us occasionally wish we were better at engendering trust in others. If trust came in a tin; if it were a product, it would surely fly off the shelves. Fortunately Mother Nature is somewhat smarter than that; but let's imagine for a moment that she wasn't; the notion of trust being a product might help to remind us of some of it's characteristics that we often don't appreciate.

The product would have to be called Trust because that's what people want, but the contents would (sadly) have to be something else; the truth is that even in the world of make-believe some things just aren't plausible. We couldn't accept the notion of an instant fix for something so fundamental as trust.

Even the most celebrated DIY knucklehead understands that achieving a 'high gloss' finish involves something other than simply pouring a few litres of varnish on the floor! What would need to be in the tin would be something that (rather like the varnish) requires many thoughtful applications and some skill.

It Might Work Like This:

What our imaginary product does, if you follow the instructions is gradually develop trust. It makes others recognise that we have integrity and ability. Powerful stuff indeed.

As is often the case with things that come in tins, the instructions are brief and reading the ingredients doesn't always help. So what might our product be made of and how might we use it?

Let's say that it were an expertly blended mix of adhesive, pigment and perfume. It's qualities are interesting in that (at least initially) it's only visible to the person who applies it. Others might see it momentarily but they then go back to noticing all the other parts of the 'picture' that have not been addressed.

It's qualities are that after a few regular applications it becomes gradually more recognisable to all.

It must be applied in thin coats and allowed to be absorbed slowly. This may take an hour or a day or more, but then and only then, do you apply a little more. It needs to be gradually built up to create a lasting result; any attempt to apply too much damages the adhesive quality, the surface tends to crack and the smell becomes overpowering.

Treading Carefully:

Because it needs to be applied regularly and carefully to enjoy the full benefits it could be argued that the product increases in value the more you use. The more consistent we are with it's use, the stronger it's effect becomes.

Sadly there are many pitfalls and distractions to be wary of that aren't mentioned. There will be many who, in an attempt to absolve themselves of any responsibility for using it wrong, blame the manufacturer claiming it doesn't do 'exactly what it says on the tin'.

The instructions may be brief but they're also unquestionably correct. The skill and desire of the consumer would be the variable; those who stuck at it and refused to be distracted by the variety of available excuses would reap the benefits. In that sense this imaginary product differs little from reality.

Turns out it's a Product after all:

The hard fact is that Mother Nature made trust into a product from the outset, and it's one we all understand well: Trust is a product of trustworthiness. Like all products is comes with a price. It's a price we can all afford but one that many are not prepared to pay. That's a shame when the credit agreement pays far more back in interest as long as we continue to making regular small payments.

Enough metaphores for one day perhaps?