The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is today.   Chinese Proverb

Trust is a popular topic of conversation these days --- mainly because it is waning more every day. People are wondering who they can trust to do the right thing.

Politicians have not been trusted for years. Decades ago Will Rogers said, “Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.” If Rogers were alive today, I am sure he would still feel the same way --- only more so.

Businesses and professionals are in the headlines frequently for breaking laws while hurting thousands of people. The recent BP oil spill has exacerbated the trust factor for business and politicians.

Sports heroes continue to disappoint their fans by showing they can’t be trusted to be role models for young people. We wonder who is on steroids or who will be arrested for rape.

How do we swing the pendulum of trust toward the upside? We can start by planting trust “seedlings” today so they’ll grow and flourish to make a forest of lush trees that help protect the people under them. Our job is to advocate for saying and doing what’s right. Examining our intent of what we say and do is a sage barometer.

In regard to you at work --- are people confident you will do what you say you will do? Are you honest about how you spend your work hours or do you play computer games and spend time on Facebook? Can co-workers trust you to be upfront and professional in your interactions?

What statements do your interactions make with your customers? Do they trust you or do they feel they have to check up on you to do the right thing and have it done correctly?

Building trust in all facets of our lives is a pressing need of this country. It’s time each of us plant seedlings by going back to the basics.

My grandfather walked miles to return five cents when the store owner accidently gave him too much change. Let’s follow the same principle rather than thinking it’s their mistake and my gain.

What do you do at work to maintain or rebuild a culture of trust? I trust I will hear from you.