Trust:part 1

This is the first of three short articles on the subject of trust.

Recently there was a medical issue in my family that needed attention. Our first instinct was to contact a specialist physician who had helped us many years ago.

Unfortunately, he had retired.

After some searching we found another doctor who appeared well qualified. On paper, the expertise seemed to be there. But expertise alone does not automatically create trust.

So we faced a familiar dilemma: how do you decide whether to trust someone new?

Researchers who study trust often point to three important elements:

• Authenticity

• Expertise

• Emotional intelligence

The doctor clearly possessed expertise, but we could not really know about the other two qualities until we met her personally.

Fortunately, the story had a happy ending. Over time we came to feel that she was genuine and emotionally attuned as well as highly competent. Trust gradually developed.

I think something similar often happens when people consider speaking to someone about retirement. Questions of loneliness, identity, purpose, uncertainty and structure can feel deeply personal. Before opening up, people naturally want to feel that the other person is not only knowledgeable, but also authentic and understanding.

That seems entirely reasonable to me.

If these reflections resonate with you, you are very welcome to text me on

0409 116 766

for a brief obligation-free conversation.

Dr Jon Glass
Retirement Specialist and Coach