A QUESTION OF TRUST

01/11/2009
Recently we had some building and plumbing work done. We took quotes from three firms. All three builders were nice people. They explained to me in detail what the work entailed and how they will do it. All reassured me that if there is any problem later, they will come and fix it. All it will need is a phone call.

The problem we faced was how to select one from the three builders. Which one is trustworthy? When we trust a machine, all we expect that the machine will do what is expected of it. Machines do not have their own interests to look after. When we trust a person we expect much more, not just the ability to perform the task but also integrity and honesty.
The builder has to make as much money from you as he can and you wish to have the work done in as less money as possible. How can you trust the advice of a person whose interest conflicts with yours? It will only be possible if you can ascertain not only the ability but also integrity and honesty or benevolence of the person.
One of the builders was Peter. He had done some work for a friend of mine. I rang my friend and he said that overall he was happy with the standard of the work done by the builder. As we knew nothing about the other two, we decided to get the work done by Peter even though the "overall" in my friend's recommendation was a bit worrying.
Now I am happy all the work is finished and yes, overall I am happy with his work.
To my expense (not a great one though) now I know what "overall" means.
See you next week.