Have you ever reflected on the fact that trust can mean something entirely different to others than it does to you? In professional relationships—and really, in all relationships—trust is essential. Yet we often assume that others view trust the same way we do. But as we’ll see, perceptions of trust can vary greatly—both in how it’s defined and in what we emphasize.
Different perceptions of what trust is
Have you ever considered that even the word trust can mean very different things to different people? We often talk about trust as if it’s a given—but in reality, it’s far from universal. When I asked two different AIs what trust means, I received two quite different answers. And when you include the definition from the Great Norwegian Encyclopedia (Store norske leksikon), it becomes even clearer just how varied our understanding of trust can be.
The first AI said:
“Trust means having faith in or being confident about someone or something. It involves a feeling of safety or belief that a person, organization, or situation is reliable, honest, or will act in a way that benefits you or aligns with your expectations. Trust is an important part of relationships, both personal and professional, and forms the foundation for cooperation, communication, and respect.”
This response emphasizes safety and reliability, focusing on the sense of security in believing someone will act in your interest or in line with your expectations. It highlights trust’s role in both personal and professional settings, describing it as a feeling or expectation within those contexts.
The second AI responded:
“Trust is a fundamental concept that plays an important role in our lives, both in personal relationships and in society at large. It can be defined in many ways, but at its core, it is the belief that another person or institution will act in a predictable, honest, and well-meaning manner.”
This definition centers more on belief in predictability, honesty, and good intentions. It offers a broader description by including both interpersonal trust and societal trust. The perspective elevates trust to a conceptual level, touching on how institutions and society play a role in maintaining it.
In the Store norske leksikon (Great Norwegian Encyclopedia), it says:
“Trust is a fundamental social phenomenon that is important in both personal interactions and societal structures. Trust can be understood as a more or less conscious expectation that other people or institutions will act in a predictable, honest, and well-meaning way.”
This definition takes a more academic approach, describing trust as a foundational social phenomenon, where honesty, predictability, and goodwill are key concepts. It also digs deeper into the social context, emphasizing the dynamic between individuals and institutions.
Three answers – three different angles.
Same question, but three distinct interpretations, different word choices, and varying points of focus. And these are just from two AIs and an encyclopedia. Imagine how many variations exist between people in real life. It shows just how easy it is to talk past each other—especially in professional settings, where we often assume that trust means the same thing to everyone.
Different perspectives
Now that we’ve looked at how trust can be defined from different viewpoints, let’s dig deeper into the different levels of trust:
- Interpersonal trust develops between individuals, like friends, family, or colleagues. It’s fundamental to personal relationships and lays the foundation for communication and collaboration.
- Institutional trust refers to the trust people have in public institutions, organizations, or companies. This type of trust is crucial for society to function effectively, as it shapes how we perceive and interact with the systems around us.
- Generalized trust is a broader form of trust, where we trust people in general, regardless of personal connection. This type of trust is essential to a well-functioning society, as it underpins cooperation and mutual respect.
Why trust matters
Trust reduces conflict by creating a safe space for dialogue and collaboration, which in turn fosters a more harmonious society. High levels of trust are also necessary to achieve common goals. When we trust each other, the need for control and monitoring is minimized, which encourages a more productive and creative work environment. Regardless of the type of trust, it is a fundamental component of all relationships—both professional and personal.
What trust is built on
Several key factors contribute to building trust:
- Reliability – following through on what’s promised.
- Openness – honesty and transparency in communication.
- Respect – recognizing others’ values and perspectives.
- Empathy – the ability to understand another person’s situation.
- Consistency – stable and predictable actions over time that strengthen trust bonds and lay a solid foundation for relationships.
What trust means to me
Personally, trust means almost everything to me. I place it high on my list of values, just after open and honest communication. Because once communication breaks down, trust tends to disappear too. And without good communication, trust can’t be built either.
For me, trust is the feeling that someone will look after my interests without hidden agendas, while also respecting my values. It’s not just about reliability—it’s about deeper understanding and mutual respect.
What does trust mean to you?
As you can see, the meaning of trust varies. For some, it’s tied to personal relationships and emotional security, while for others it’s about institutions and society. It can be incredibly valuable to reflect on how others view trust, especially in professional settings where it is often critical to success.
In short, trust is:
- An expectation: We expect others to behave in a certain way.
- A vulnerability: Trusting someone involves a degree of risk and surrendering some control.
- A foundation for collaboration: Trust is essential for people to cooperate and form strong relationships.
By reflecting on what trust means and how it manifests in our lives, we can strengthen our relationships and our ability to work together. Whether in personal or professional settings, building and maintaining trust is essential for creating a harmonious and productive environment.
But as we’ve seen, trust is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Even dictionary entries and AI definitions vary—some focus on safety, others on predictability or goodwill. And people? We bring our own experiences, values, and fears to the table. That’s why it’s so important to recognize that trust can mean very different things to different people.
As a former boss of mine once said: “Always tell the truth, but you don’t always have to tell everything that’s true.”
It’s a reminder that honesty is important—but also that how we communicate plays a big role in the trust we build with others.
So let me ask you: What does trust mean to you? And perhaps more importantly—what can you do to strengthen the trust in your relationships?
