Lack of trust.

An employer doesn’t trust the employee. They look at them as an expense because the moment they get a better offer, they’d leave the job. Hence, they do not invest in them, whether financially or emotionally.

An employee doesn’t trust the employer. The moment they find a way to get the job done in a cheaper or more automated manner, they’d get rid of the employee. Hence, they do the minimum possible.

A company doesn’t trust the client because as soon as the client finds a cheaper price, they’ll buy from the competitor. Hence, they do not invest in the experience.

Lack of trust is the main cause of bad relationships and bad business. In all the cases above, and many more, the outcome is mediocrity. The fear of loss ensures that we do the bare minimum.

Instead, if we trust each other, and be generous, we start a virtuous cycle.

If the employer invests in the employee, financially, emotionally, providing opportunities for learning and growth, the employee is more likely to stay with the employer. If the employee does more than her job, creates her magic, she is less likely to be replaced. If the company creates a better experience for the customer, it will attract less price-sensitive and more loyal customers.

In whatever we do, trusting ourselves and trusting others is a much better strategy than doubting everybody.