I think the two words are oxymorons sometimes. Even though that has been my experience, I will not give up on the good people can do in friendships. Like most people, I have been betrayed and stabbed in the back at work. At the same time though, I’ve met people who were truly good to the core and these people keep me trusting in humanity. I hate it when people make loaded comments and seemingly keep you in the dark about things. I am the kind of person who will tell you if I have a problem with you. Unfortunately, not everyone is like that. Many people see advancement or recognition as more important than people. While I enjoy advancement and recognition, I take care to make sure they are never my primary motivator for doing what I do (I teach elementary school). The trick for me with trust at work is learning the paramaters of healthy boundaries.
Another issue to discuss along these lines is the issue of boasting at work. One person may innocently share at the water cooler about his/her new tv and another will feel the need to describe in vivid details his/her home theater furniture.
Do you trust people at work?
