Making Trust Happen

Trust: Elusive Yet Essential Trust is elusive—not because it lacks meaning, but because it holds many meanings. It often carries a “you know it when you see it”—or “you know it when it’s missing”—quality. Drs. Jerome S. Paige and Cynthia O. Pace explore this ineffability in their book, Making Trust Happen! How To Think And Talk About Trust & And Experience And Create It. They examine how trust interrelates with five key concepts: self-trusting, trusting, trustworthiness, trust relationships, and trust structures. They explore the unique traits of each dimension and show how their dynamic interplay gives rise to a sixth: systemic trust — a form of trust embedded within and shaped by broader systems and structures. Their conclusion is powerful: when we understand these five perspectives and how they interact, we see that trust is both a choice and a skill. More importantly, we can develop this skill and enhance our ability to make wise trust decisions. At any given moment, we have the freedom to choose whether or not to trust, and with intention and practice, we can make trust happen. When trust takes root, it transforms relationships — second-guessing fades, collaboration thrives, and organizations become more fluid, productive, and engaged.