What does it mean to be trustworthy? Here’s the best empirically tested definition of trust: “Trust is one party’s willingness to be vulnerable to another party based on the confidence that the latter party is (a) benevolent, (b) reliable, (c) competent, (d) honest, and (e) open.”
My guess is that as you read that your mind went to people or situations in which you felt your trust was violated. The truth is that this has happened to each of us, and it hurts. Of course, there isn’t much we can do with this occurs other than forgive and learn. So, I have broken down the adjectives above as a way for me to assess my “trustworthiness index.” I do better on some than others.
Benevolence is the belief that you have my best interest at heart. Reliability is the belief that you will come through as a promised. Competence is the belief that you have the ability and willingness to complete the task you were assigned. Honesty is the belief that you will use the information to which you are privy in an appropriate manner and do what is ethically right (even if it costs you something). Finally, openness is the belief that you will share accurate information as needed and for my good.
How did you do? “(Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
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