Balancing Caution and Transparency in the Workplace

Normally I spend a lot of time talking about how one topic or another relates directly to the work that is done to enhance and scale a portfolio company. Today, I want to talk about the one thing that matters in those situations but also matters in every relationship you will ever have. TRUST.

For the sake of brevity, let’s focus on the workplace for now.

Trust. It’s a tricky game, isn’t it? Terry Jones, a career coach, recently shared his thoughts about being cautious with trust at work. He’s not wrong; his advice about getting things in writing, especially in a world of broken promises, hits home.

But here’s the thing—I’ve seen how living in constant suspicion can mess things up. It’s like Stephen Covey says in "Speed of Trust"—trust is the glue that holds it all together, whether at work or elsewhere.

Jones’ point about distrust and its genesis is valid. Broken promises, hidden motives, they’re all too common. But, here’s where it gets dicey: constantly living on high alert, never really trusting anyone, that just keeps the cycle of suspicion going. And let me tell you, it messes with any chance of making a real impact.

When you’re in an environment where nobody’s straightforward, where everyone’s got their own game going on, it just adds fuel to the fire of distrust. Yeah, some folks might have their own agenda, and bosses might always put the company first. But if we’re always wary, we kill any shot at genuine connections and collaboration.

Covey’s onto something when he talks about trust being more than just a feel-good thing. It’s the real deal in business too. Companies that trust and foster transparency see happier employees, better ideas, and less turnover. Trust isn’t just touchy-feely; it’s a game-changer for success.

That said, Jones’ tip about written agreements is practical. In a world where words might not mean much, it’s a safety net. But here’s the kicker—being overly cautious and shutting down genuine interactions, that only feeds the distrust machine. Sharing goals, having real talks at work, that’s what builds the kind of trust that moves things forward.

Breaking the cycle of suspicion? It’s a team sport. It’s about questioning the norm of constant doubt and pushing for openness. It’s recalibrating how we build trust—moving away from always being suspicious to building trust based on honesty, accountability, and shared values.

So, yeah, Jones’ caution is worth noting, but there’s a flip side. Living in constant suspicion can end up doing more harm than good. Embracing transparency, fostering real connections, and building trust—that’s how we make a workplace that’s all about collaboration, innovation, and making a real impact. Covey nailed it: “Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people.”