One customer's story about losing "trust" with his bank

(reprinted with Mr. Emmott's permission, sorry the image did not make it)

I did this one-click watercolor from one of my West Texas pictures. It came out pretty cool. Last week I had a desire to return to Big Bend State Ranch and get away from a business deal gone crazy.

This picture reminds me of the remoteness that existed in the old west. People lived days apart, without telephones, email or US mail. Business transactions to even the simplest social activity, were coordinated weeks or months in advance, with a verbal agreement. Everyone relied on your word and commitment. To be respected your "word" and your "actions" had better be the same. Is trust really that much different today?

I spent all week correcting a business situation between our bank and my community service project, an Episcopal school in Northeast Harris County. An important land transaction had stalled because one bank department would not honor the commitment made just two months ago by previous loan officer. All week the situation was becoming more emotional as the bank's new position was becoming more entrenched. In the end, our copies of bank emails and a out of town meeting with bank officials corrected the problem. But something in our relationship was lost.

Our situation came up suddenly, without warning. We had to "prove" our understanding using our copies of bank documents. The previous loan officer could have furnished the documents. The new bank department could have done a little research. The bank could have been concerned about why we were so disturbed. While I am delighted about the outcome, the process was upsetting.

This reminded me that trust is the foundation of our relationships. Once lost, how long the memory remains.

I don't know if trust is something we "earn" or something we "live". There is no wiggle room when it comes to trust, Words and actions must jive 100% of the time. If promises and results are unpredictable, we must then "disclose, disclose, disclose".

The past week reminded me, when times and situations get tough, trust is good stuff to have around.

Charles Emmott
EMCO Press
Houston, Texas