Trust: Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken in Life and Business

In this no-nonsense guide, psychologist and leadership consultant Cloud (Boundaries) contends that trust is “the currency that drives everything” and provides readers with tools to judiciously give and earn it. First, Cloud outlines five factors that make trust possible, including a “track record” of prior behavior (“Trust cannot be given only on a promise”) and the existence of a positive motive. Before placing faith in another person, the author contends, it’s important to look for qualities like godliness, perseverance, and self-control. Cloud discusses how to restore one’s trust in someone else by tracking the “objective criteria” of their behavior. The author’s advice lends itself to a slew of scenarios, such as business partnerships, marriages, and parent-child relationships, and though the periodic Bible quotes can feel out of place, Cloud’s step-by-step advice and clearly stated principles prove actionable. Despite a few wobbles, readers will find worth here. (Mar.)