While there are the major situations that have been getting mass media attention such as Maddoff’s vast Ponzi scheme, the gutting of America’s retirement funds, massive job layoffs, extensive home foreclosures and the whole Wall Street financial meltdown, it is the minor ways in which trust is broken each and every day that can be more insidious, because they are unintentional, accumulative, and often go unaddressed. In fact, the current ecomonic collapse, when looked at more closesly, is a result of many accumulative minor betrayals. When added up there was a major melt down impacting our entire country and the world. This is a powerful example of the impact of accumulative betrayal and confirms the authors' over 17 years of research and practice: Minor unintentional forms of betrayal are the most pervasive in eroding working relationships, and ultimately, society.

Betrayal is a natural element of relationships and human nature. It is going to occur. We are going to experience it. The book gives the reader permission to be human. It identifies betrayal as an opportunity for renewal instead of just a cause for destruction, and guides the reader through four core ideas: Trust is built and broken daily, When trust breaks down, relationships do not have to be history. Renewal is a function of taking responsibility. Courage and compassion are partners in the process of healing and renewal.

When let down or even betrayed, people naturally respond with judgment, criticism and blame. This reflects the natural tendency to pull back, contract and to protect oneself. Responsibility is replaced with apathy and the cycle of distrust is fed. Courage and compassion are partners in the healing process because we need both in order to renew. It takes courage to not be overrun by our fear and compassion to give ourselves and others the benefit of the doubt.

This new work acknowledges the critical need for rebuilding trust and provides practical guidance on rebuilding trust, healing and renewal.