Ripple Effect

I break your trust. “I” could be anyone – stranger, lifelong friend, boss, spouse, subordinate, organization, supplier, customer, government - the list could go on and on. Anyone you come into contact with – directly or indirectly - carries their reputation with them.

The varied experiences you have with me over time – begin to reveal a prominent and unique image. Each interaction adds a different color, a different stroke to your canvas - of me. Suddenly - one incident, one un kept promise, one misspoken word begins to tarnish this portrait. The trust which may have been difficult to establish in the first place, is shred to pieces.  Now you begin to view each interaction associated with me - with a shattered lens.  Consistent with human nature, you are more likely to share your disappointments, rather than surprises, with those close to you.

Unfortunately, the shattered lens doesn’t just affect my individual credibility. My actions or in actions - influence and create unseen ripple effects.  My associations - family, department, company, educational background, race, gender, religion, nationality - are somehow affected. Reputations develop, organizational culture is influenced, stereotypes get formed, and expectations begin to change; you begin to react differently to the same interaction because now I’ve opened Pandora’s box and given you a reason to question and doubt.

Lack of trust is often cited as one of the biggest challenges with doing business with rural customers.  They’ve been burnt by too many NGOs, banks and businesses promising to solve their problems. Many fail to deliver, shattering their trust and making it difficult for the next solution to be given any consideration.

Each of us is therefore burdened with enormous responsibility. To ensure our actions create positive effects in the communities we belong to. It is important to individually recognize our extended influence.  It is just a matter of pausing to decide – do you wish to create a masterpiece or help destroy art? After all you too must bear the consequences.