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Trust but Verify

We’ve all been there, feeling skeptical before heading into a meeting or adapting to changes in policy.  Empty promises, shallow ideas, or people not following through have become the norm, so why expect anything different?  These feelings aren’t unusual, but does skepticism protect us by managing our expectations or does it eventually become cynicism?  Cynicism and skepticism are often confused, but they lead to very different outcomes. Cynicism assumes people are driven by self-interest or deception, while skepticism is the art of questioning and verifying, without necessarily expecting the worst. Both should have a role in our personal and professional lives, but one tends to open doors, while the other closes them.

 

At its best, cynicism shields us from being overly trusting or naïve and keeps us from getting too close to people or situations that might let us down. In business, it can prevent costly mistakes by encouraging critical thinking about deals, partnerships, or leadership strategies. A little cynicism makes you careful.  On the other hand, cynicism can create its own problems. In one’s personal life, it often leads to isolation, because when you expect the worst from others, it’s hard to form meaningful relationships. You may push people away before they ever have a chance to prove their good intentions.  Cynicism often closes doors before they’re even opened. While it might keep us safe from disappointment, it can also lead to automatic distrust, preventing us from seeing opportunities or the good in others. Cynics tend to assume the worst without ever testing their assumptions.   It can kill team morale. Constantly doubting leadership or company goals can create a toxic environment, making it difficult for teams to collaborate or innovate. Cynics may disengage, believing that nothing will change for the better, which prevents progress.

 

Earlier this week I attended a talk on artificial intelligence (AI)—a topic that’s everywhere these days. I wasn’t expecting much. I’d already sat through half a dozen presentations on AI, and most of them were hype and no substance. So, I walked in skeptical, bracing for more of the same.  But this time, something different happened. The speaker didn’t just recycle buzzwords like ChatGPT. They shared real-world examples from both their professional and personal life, offering fresh insights. My skepticism had me prepared to be underwhelmed, but because I was open to being proven wrong, I left the event inspired.  That’s the power of healthy skepticism. It keeps you cautious, but it doesn’t shut you off from positive surprises. If I had let cynicism take over, I might not have attended at all, and I would have missed out.

 

Skepticism strikes a valuable balance. It doesn’t assume bad intentions, but it also doesn’t blindly trust. In personal relationships, skepticism helps us maintain healthy boundaries, trusting people when they’ve proven themselves, but keeping our eyes open. In business, skepticism encourages critical thinking. It invites us to look deeper, verify facts, and ask tough questions before making decisions.  The key is that keeps doors open, allowing thoughtful engagement with new ideas or people while protecting us from being taken advantage of.  It’s cautious curiosity.

 

Ultimately, life is about striking the right balance between trust and caution. A skeptical mindset can help you stay engaged and protect yourself from disappointment, without closing you off from opportunities.  While cynicism may protect you in the short term, it often comes at the cost of relationships, growth, and unexpected opportunities.

 

The next time you find yourself approaching a situation with skepticism, ask yourself—are you being cautious and curious, or has your skepticism drifted into cynicism? Keep the door open for surprises, while still being smart enough to verify what’s behind it.

 

“Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.” – Denis Diderot

 

So, where do you stand? Are you keeping a healthy balance, or is it time to shift from cynicism to skepticism? Let’s stay curious, critical, and open to the possibilities.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

-Vijay

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