Trust Is a Privilege, Not a Right
Trust. It’s the invisible currency of relationships, organizations, and society. Yet, like all currencies, its value fluctuates based on scarcity, misuse, and inflationary promises. Trust isn’t handed out like participation trophies; it’s earned. It’s a privilege, not a birthright, and certainly not a default setting in our increasingly transactional world.
Let’s start with the basics: trust is fragile. It’s the delicate soufflé of human interaction — takes time to rise but collapses instantly if mishandled. The irony? Everyone wants trust, but few are willing to pay its price: honesty, accountability, and consistency. Instead, we live in an age where shortcuts are king, and trust gets sold out for convenience, ego, and quarterly KPIs.
Why Trust Matters
Trust is the backbone of any successful relationship — personal or professional. Without it, you’re playing Jenga on a rickety table. Teams crumble without trust. Brands burn. Countries flail. Trust is the lubricant that keeps the gears of society from grinding to a halt. And yet, we treat it like it’s an unlimited resource. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
Look at the workplace. Employees don’t quit jobs; they quit managers who micromanage, gaslight, or “lead” from a place of fear. Customers don’t abandon brands because of one bad product; they walk away because the apology was half-baked, the problem was brushed off, or the leadership was tone-deaf. Trust is like oxygen — taken for granted until it’s gone.
Trust Is a Privilege
Here’s the kicker: trust isn’t owed to you just because you hold a title, a diploma, or a LinkedIn profile littered with buzzwords. Trust is earned through actions, not assertions. It’s the privilege granted to those who show up, deliver, and own their mistakes.
Think of a leader. The kind you’d actually follow into battle, not just the next Zoom meeting. They don’t demand trust — they earn it. They show humility, admit when they’re wrong, and have your back when things go sideways. These are the people who understand that trust is a privilege — one that comes with responsibility, not entitlement.
On the flip side, there’s no shortage of examples where trust was treated as a right — and abused accordingly. Politicians who peddle empty promises, corporations that dodge accountability, or influencers who shill products they don’t even use. Each instance erodes the collective reservoir of trust we rely on.
Earning Trust in a Distrustful World
In an era of deepfakes, data breaches, and disinformation, the default mode is skepticism. And rightfully so. But here’s the opportunity: in a world starving for trust, those who consistently deliver it become invaluable.
How do you do it? It’s not rocket science, but it does require effort:
- Show Up — Be reliable. Do what you say you’re going to do. Every time.
- Tell the Truth — Even when it’s uncomfortable or unflattering.
- Own Your Mistakes — Nothing builds trust faster than accountability. Nothing destroys it faster than excuses.
- Put Others First — Trust thrives when people feel seen, heard, and valued.
It’s a simple playbook, yet most people fumble the ball because it requires delayed gratification and self-awareness — two things in short supply these days.
The ROI of Trust
Here’s the kicker: trust pays dividends. It accelerates decision-making, reduces friction, and fosters loyalty. It’s the reason Apple can charge $1,000 for a phone or why people line up for Patagonia jackets instead of cheaper alternatives. Trusted brands, leaders, and institutions command a premium — not because they’re perfect, but because they’re consistent.
Final Thought
Trust isn’t a right, but it’s worth striving for. It’s a privilege you earn every day with every choice, every word, every action. Lose it, and you may never get it back. But earn it, and you gain the one thing that transcends markets, industries, and egos — a legacy.
Trust me on this. Or don’t. The choice, as always, is yours.
Hi there, I’m Brian, and in addition to this Medium, I wrote The Main Thing is The Main Thing. Buy your copy today.
