Check Zeros First

Trust has a formula. Not metaphorical. Mathematical.

Trust = min(Authenticity, Logic, Empathy) × Competence × Reliability

The "min" function matters. It means: take the smallest of those three numbers.

If Authenticity is zero, trust is zero. Doesn't matter how high the others are. A brilliant, empathetic, reliable psychopath? Zero trust. The math kills it.

But Competence and Reliability multiply.

They amplify whatever trust exists.

High authenticity with zero competence? You trust them as a person. You don't trust them to deliver. Different thing.

This is why you can't compensate. Can't make up for missing authenticity by being really smart. Can't make up for poor judgment by being really nice. The formula won't let you.

Most organizations try to build trust by adding more of what they already have. More competence training. More reliability systems. But if Authenticity or Logic or Empathy is near zero, the multiplication means nothing.

Zero times anything is zero.

Check your zeros first. Then multiply.