Testing the DTM

The DTM is a deliberately broad diagnostic tool that can be used to capture the nuances of many different types of trustor-trustee situations. Used properly to think through the trust decision, the DTM helps us match the degree of trust with the actual trustworthiness of the trustee. As shown in Figure 2.3, the model helps us avoid the errors in the upper left and lower right quadrants while locating caution and appropriate reliance where they belong. The DTM also enables us to diagnose which variables are most critical to trust in a given situation and then focus on enhancing those factors to maintain, build, or repair trust.

Let's return to the three trust scenarios posed in Chapter One to see how the DTM can be used to confront a potentially negative, distrustful situation and create a result that benefits both parties.