I’ve been reading (well, more like listening on Audible) The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie and His Essay the Gospel of Wealth. Going in, I knew the basics—he was Scottish, made a fortune in America, and was big on philanthropy. But as I worked my way through his story, a few key traits really stood out:
- A relentless work ethic
- Respect for everyone
- The courage to step up
- Generosity, even before wealth
- Authenticity
- Oh and Scottish !
Honestly, these are qualities we should all aim for. But what really struck me was an early lesson Carnegie learned the hard way:
“Many men can be trusted, but a few need watching.”
This came after he was cheated out of some money. The key takeaway? Most people are trustworthy—it’s only a small number who aren’t. And if you operate from a place of trust, you can be open and transparent.
Of course, there are business contexts where some discretion is necessary (legal teams would have a fit otherwise). But generally, choosing to trust people first makes things simpler. No need to constantly second-guess or guard secrets. Mark Twain put it best:
“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
I like to think my own career has been shaped by this principle. I trust people unless they give me a reason not to. It’s a little disarming at times, but it sets the tone for collaboration and honesty. And, more often than not, people rise to the occasion.
What about you? Do you lead with trust, or do you take a more cautious approach?
