There are two ways to trust people.

One is to trust everyone from the moment you meet them.  Put yourself out there and let them know that "I trust you until you prove otherwise".

The second is not to trust ANYONE until you get to know them.  This could be a 3, 6, 9 or even 12 month process.  This is the preferred trust method for those who have been burned before.

I prefer option number one.  It is easy, it allows for relationships to build quickly, and I believe it is the right way.

Will I get burned?  Yes...but not every time.

Will I hold a grudge when I get burned?  No...that is poor leadership.

And that is why many people rely on trust method #2.  They don't want to take any more chances.  They prefer to play it safe.  They are going to punish their possible future relationships based on some idiot from their past.

Stick to Trust method #1.  True leaders understand that the rewards that come with trust far outweigh the possible dangers.

Frank Crane, author and minister, once said...

"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough."

How very Frank of him to say...