Loyalty rolls on a two-way street. This truth is evident in every human relationship that grows. From childhood through job changes, to the selection of a spouse and all the choices we make that involve forming a team, trust arises as the most important issue when we hope the relationship will endure. Without trust, there is no incentive to invest our emotions and we become vulnerable to the goodwill and constancy of another.

The relationship between management and its athletes is no different than other relationships that have a superior-subordinate component-parent-child, teacher-student, employer-employee. In order for the inevitable issue of position power not to become divisive, both sides must bring to the association a feeling of trust. They must sense an atmosphere of fairness and respect. There can be no feeling of "bad," but that only "good" will come of a discussion of how to achieve our goals. The spirit of "win-win" must prevail.

This requires self-confidence and flexibility. If either side enters the relationship with a feeling of arrogance - a sense of "I am more powerful than you" or "You need me more than I need you" - not only will the needed flexibility become arthritic, but arrogance may cause the other person to take a defensive posture. Zap, there goes the chance for loyalty and trust to strengthen.

Trust is one of the strongest emotions in humans if both sides respect its value and strive to provide the emotional atmosphere that allows it to grow. Trust is also brittle. It is tough, but can be broken fast with a strong shock at the right angle. When trust breaks, it is difficult to mend. The repairs almost always show. All collaborative effort, whether in team sports, marriage, parenting, schools, or making a movie, is premised on trust.