Among Among many clients lately, the topic of TRUST has been top of mind. So, I’ve found myself dredging years of presentations, articles, and Polarity Maps on the topic. There’s enough for a whole series of “Cliff’sNOTES” on the topic, but I leave for China for a full month in a few days, so there won’t be a series anytime soon. But if I did to kick off a series right now — top on my list would be Martin Mycielski’s “Authoritarian Regime Survival Guide” and Judith Glaser’s neuroscience-informed TRUST model from Conversational Intelligence®. So, here’s a quick and dirty mash-up that included some humbling reflection.

From the start, it was clear I’ve got a long way to go and a to learn  practice. It’s unfamiliar territory. Honestly, it feels like I’m building the bridge while walking across it. And the hardest part? Putting this to use with the people closest to me. Ones who taught me right from wrong and whose values I thought I knew. And, who cannot substantiate much more about their values than, “making America great again.”

Still, putting this together helped me reflect, and in a small way, it helped. Maybe it’ll do the same for you. Maybe it moves the needle just a little.

What Happens in Year 1

  1. They win fair-ish elections… but with fear, lies, and division. Then they claim “the people chose us!” to justify anything and everything.
  2. They’ll divide folks into “patriots” and “traitors.” Spoiler: if you question them, you’re the “traitor.”
  3. State media becomes a megaphone. Real journalism? Nah, that’s now “fake news.”
  4. They’ll stir up chaos and fear. That way, they can pass nasty laws “to keep you safe.”
  5. Truth gets blurry. Lies become the norm, facts get twisted. Stay sharp. Question everything.
  6. Fake scandals pop up left and right. Distraction alert! It’s all smoke and mirrors.
  7. They’ll throw out shock laws just to tire you out, then quietly pass the sneaky ones.
  8. Women and minorities? Targeted. Because they’re seen as threats to the power structure.
  9. Courts? Taken over. No independent judges means no more checks and balances.
  10. Protesting gets harder. They’ll find ways to restrict your right to gather.
  11. Language gets twisted. Suddenly, “traitor” = opposition and “patriot” = their fanboys.
  12. They’ll hijack national symbols. Your flag now “belongs” to them. Reclaim it.
  13. History gets rewritten. Kids are taught their version. Keep teaching real history.
  14. They isolate your country. Bye-bye allies. Hello economic mess.
  15. Voting system gets “reformed.” Spoiler: it’s rigged to keep them in power.

How to Resist (6 Rules to Survive)

  1. Don’t stay quiet. Speak up, now.
  2. Fight lies with facts. Educate your people.
  3. Organize. March. Protest. Show up.
  4. Don’t let them split you up. Unity is power.
  5. Never just “wait it out.” They won’t go away on their own.
  6. Make sure no one votes for them again. Seriously.

What if Your Friends or Family Support the Regime?

This is the simple but easy mini-guide for keeping relationships intact while resisting:

  1. Be curious, not condescending. Ask questions, don’t preach.
  2. Stay calm. Let them get emotional, you stay grounded.
  3. Find common ground. “We all want what’s best for our neighborhood, right?”
  4. Speak their language. Match their tone — don’t be a robot.
  5. Listen to their sources. Use that info to better understand and respond.
  6. Show real-life impacts. “Hey, this law could hurt your kid’s future.”
  7. Don’t cut them off. Keep the BBQ invites coming. You’re stronger united.

Here’s what each letter in T.R.U.S.T. stands for in Judith Glaser’s T.R.U.S.T. Model – Building Better Conversations:

T – Transparency

Be open and honest.
Share your intentions, thoughts, and feelings clearly. When people know where you’re coming from, it builds safety and connection.

Quote: Say what you mean, and don’t hide the ball.

R – Relationship

Put the relationship first.
Focus on creating strong bonds rather than winning an argument or being right. Build rapport, listen deeply, and show you care.

Quote: People remember how you made them feel — not what you said.

U – Understanding

Listen to understand, not just to respond.
Ask questions that open up dialogue. Be genuinely curious, and don’t assume you already know the other person’s perspective.

Quote: Seek to ‘get them,’ not just to ‘get your point across.’

S – Shared Success

Create a win-win.
Frame your conversations around mutual goals, not just your own agenda. Co-create outcomes that benefit everyone involved.

Quote: It’s not just about “me” or “you” — it’s about “we.”

T – Truth-telling

Speak the truth — and invite it from others.
That means being respectful, but also direct. Create space where people can tell the truth without fear of judgment or punishment.

Quote: Honest conversations build strong foundations.