The minute someone says, “Trust me,” it makes some people worry they aren’t to be trusted. Trust cannot be demanded.
Trust is not absolute and it’s not static. We are constantly moving into trust or away from trust. So, there is always a “trust gap.” Sometimes the gap is small, other times it’s a canyon.
Obviously, the trust gap can grow because of something we do or say. But also, keep in mind the trust gap can grow because of something else. For example, layoffs in one department can impact trust in an unaffected department. Heck, layoffs at another company can impact the trust gap in your company.
In subways, there’s a sign that says “Mind the gap,” which refers to the space between the subway car and the platform because this is where people can get hurt. Mind the trust gap, because this too is when people can get hurt.