(T)Rust

Rust is the oxidation of iron or steel that is manifested in the accumulation of brownish residue on the metal.  We've all seen and touched rust.  It has the effect of encumbering or inhibiting.  It takes the "shine" off of metal.  It causes hinges to squeak and eventually freeze up completely.  Rust is abrasive and unsightly.  It leaves the impression of lack of care and attention.  Rust implies a disregard for care and attention.  Left unaddressed, rust will eventually eat completely through metal, compromising it in all ways.  

In organizational work, the lack of trust has the same "oxidizing" effect that rust has on metal.  Little by little, day by day, inch by inch, the look and feel and effectiveness of the organization is compromised by that lack of trust.  Without the "T," we are left with "rust." 

Both in the care and maintenance of metal and in the care of maintenance of organizations, simple attention and a little preventive maintenance are all it takes to keep "rust" at bay.  It's really not that hard, and the benefits of that attentive/preventive maintenance are immense.

When trust is absent, "rust" remains.