From my perspective, respect and trust are so intertwined, interconnected. And the factors - or clues - by which I assess (consciously, or more often, unconsciously) someone on those qualities are more intuitive than measurable. Certainly I can respect someone for their demonstrated intelligence, skill, or competence, but that doesn't mean my respect for a brilliant engineer will automatically translate to trust he will keep my secrets. Invariably it comes down to their eye contact, facial & body language, tone of voice, listening, dialogue & exchange, demonstrated emotions/feeling, thought processes, opinions, -- dozens of intangible factors that convey the humanity (or lack thereof) in a person. And you're right: one instance of failure in respect or trust kills the whole thing. And it can rarely be salvaged. Forgiveness cannot erase memory.
This is beautifully said, and so true. Thank you for such a generous, perceptive reflection, especially from someone who understands how much of these live beneath the surface.
From my perspective, respect and trust are so intertwined, interconnected. And the factors - or clues - by which I assess (consciously, or more often, unconsciously) someone on those qualities are more intuitive than measurable. Certainly I can respect someone for their demonstrated intelligence, skill, or competence, but that doesn't mean my respect for a brilliant engineer will automatically translate to trust he will keep my secrets. Invariably it comes down to their eye contact, facial & body language, tone of voice, listening, dialogue & exchange, demonstrated emotions/feeling, thought processes, opinions, -- dozens of intangible factors that convey the humanity (or lack thereof) in a person. And you're right: one instance of failure in respect or trust kills the whole thing. And it can rarely be salvaged. Forgiveness cannot erase memory.
This is beautifully said, and so true. Thank you for such a generous, perceptive reflection, especially from someone who understands how much of these live beneath the surface.