Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships. Stephen R Covey

The Second Resolution is defined as the demonstration of the two elements of trustworthiness – character and competence. Good character is easily seen in others because we admire who they are and how they act. We know it because we see in them what we would like to see in ourselves, even though we are equally aware when we are failing to demonstrate those traits. Good old Conscience.

Competence is different. We only really see competence in others when we see that they are more competent than (we feel) we are.

I believe this – I won’t contend it is true because it is a gut feeling based on experience – because when my peers did something spectacularly good in their work as detectives, I would bemoan to myself, “I wish I’d thought of that!” And if I received a compliment about anything spectacular that I did, I would modestly play it down.

But to address the quote – do you feel that it is easier to communicate with someone of character who is also competent? Of course you do! If you need help you seek out someone who knows the answer, of course, but you also seek out someone who you know will take the time to explain it to you properly, and won’t go and blab about your incompetence to another person.

Trust is important. Trust is a product of trustworthiness, which is a function of BOTH character and competence.

Apply yourself to the Second Resolution.