"الثقة جيدة لكن السيطرة أفضل"

Trust is an essential part of any relationship, whether it’s personal or professional. But sometimes, trust alone isn’t enough. You need to verify and ensure that things are running smoothly—this is where control comes into play. Essentially, it’s saying that while it’s great to trust people, putting measures in place to monitor and verify actions can save you a lot of trouble.

This idea isn't new. It goes way back in history and has been echoed in various forms throughout time. Think about the Cold War era when U.S. President Ronald Reagan famously used the phrase “Trust, but verify” when talking about nuclear disarmament agreements with the Soviet Union. The stakes were high—world peace was literally on the line. Trusting the Soviets to follow through was essential, but verification was the safety net that made sure trust wasn’t misplaced.

Let's look at a real-life example. Imagine you're running a small business. You trust your employees, right? But let’s say you’re dealing with finances. It’s smart to have an accountant or a financial control system in place. You might trust your bookkeeper, but having an external audit can ensure everything is above board. Another example would be if you’re a parent letting your teenager use the family car. You trust them to drive safely, but you might also install a GPS tracker to check their driving habits. It’s not about being paranoid or distrusting—it’s about being responsible and ensuring that what you expect is actually happening.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying areas where trust is important but high stakes are involved. It could be your job, your family, or any other critical area. Once you’ve pinpointed these areas, think of practical ways to implement control measures. These should be non-intrusive but effective, like regular performance reviews at work or having open and honest conversations with your partner about finances.

Imagine this scenario: You’re working on a big project with a tight deadline. You trust your team to get their parts done, but there’s a lot riding on this. So, you set up weekly check-ins and ask for progress reports. It’s not about micromanaging—it’s about making sure everyone is on track and any issues can be addressed quickly. This not only helps you stay on top of things but also boosts the team’s accountability. Everyone knows there’s a structure in place, and that can actually build more trust because it shows you’re all in it together.

In essence, blending trust with control creates a balanced approach. It’s like walking a tightrope—you need the trust to keep you motivated and moving forward, but the control measures act as your safety net, ensuring you don’t fall flat. This blend of trust and control isn’t just smart; it’s necessary in a world where things don’t always go as planned. By embracing this concept, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re setting the stage for more reliable and trustworthy relationships in every area of your life. So next time you’re weighing whether to trust someone or put some controls in place, remember—it’s not an either/or situation. You can, and should, do both.