Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace

Author: Dennis S. Reina, Michelle L. Reina
List Price: $27.95
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ISBN: 1576750701
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Pub (15 December, 1999)
Sales Rank: 28,215
Average Customer Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Customer Reviews

Rating: 4 out of 5
An exceptional analysis of how to build or repair trust
Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace by Dennis & Michelle Reina This book tackles one of the most pervasive and intractable dynamics which degrade the quality of work relationships and job satisfaction. The contribution that this book makes is to provide models for analyzing how trust is undermined which then suggests ways that it might be restored. It's not helpful to just say "I don't trust him." Using the Reina's model of contractual trust, communication trust and competence trust, you would describe that breakdown more precisely. "I don't trust his behavior - it's too inconsistent" or "I don't trust that I'll get the information I need from him" or "I don't trust that he'll be able to get this job done." With the problem better articulated, it becomes possible to address it and a choice can then be made about whether to do so. The Reina's have made the subjects of Trust and Betrayal the core of their life's work to date and it shows in such simple and profound insights as "Betrayal is an experience determined by the betrayed." This is what organization executives so often miss and which saddles them with disgruntled work forces. The Reina's go on to draw distinctions between intentional and unintentional, and major and minor betrayal. This gives executives a way to understand the dynamic without ladening them or their employees with guilt or defensiveness. The book is full of exercises one can use to gain competence in building trust or repairing trust that has been damaged. It takes a real adult to take responsibility for building and repairing trust rather than just writing off others as being untrustworthy. The Reina's challenge us to be adults.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Making trust more tangible
Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace presents a way of looking at trust that makes sense. And, we need something about trust that makes sense. Trust is a concept that everyone talks about, especially when there isn't enough of it, but few can really understand. The Reinas have created a way of looking at trust that we can understand. They look at three forms of trust (Communication, Contractual, and Competency) which are easy to grasp. Haven't we all had someone break confidence about something we shared with them. Upholding agreements is also a point of concern for us all. I have certainly worried about whether someone was capable of doing what they said they would do. The Reinas also reminds us that this is not just about whether or not we trust others, sometimes we don't trust ourselves in these three areas. Their view of trust quickly leads to concrete things that can be done to build or rebuild trust. They don't just bemoan the impact of betrayal in the workplace, using their model of trust, they provide straightforward ways of recovering. I am using what I learned from the book and when I explain it to others, they like it too. Trust and Betrayal is easy to read and full of very helpful information. I highly recommend this book and urge you to buy and use it too.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Trust as the Foundation
The Reina's develop understandable definitions and offer a well researched and thought out framework for both the development and practice of trust. They also offer practical and accessible vignettes and case studies illustrating the 'trust behaviors' that are so crucial to effective organizations and relationships.

Probably the most powerful part of the book is the section on Betrayal. Betrayal is a huge factor in our lives and we rarely talk about it. This book offers a language, method, and solution for both talking about betrayal and beginning the process of healing from it.

This is an important book for people interested in getting to the root of systemic problems in institutions, families, and relationships.

I highly recommend it!

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