The Cornerstone of Trust: Why I Chose the ‘Small Fellow’ Over the Grand Reputation | Global TV
By NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
We are constantly faced with choices in the journey of building an institution or a career. Some of the most important choices are about people; who to trust with a critical task, a precious vision, or a significant responsibility. We are often seduced by grand reputations, impressive titles, and the allure of those who promise big things.
But I learned a lesson in true trust from a recent interaction with Rev. Dr. Melwyn D’Cunha SJ, a lesson that has redefined my understanding of reliability. Fr. Melwyn described it effortlessly.
A major project had arrived. It was the kind of “big work” that attracts attention and ambition. Naturally, a person with a prominent reputation, someone who moved in the circles of “big things,” stepped forward to take it on. Many would have handed over the reins without a second thought. But Rev. Dr. DCunha turned to the individual and said, “No, I don’t trust you.” This was not a statement of personal malice, but one of profound discernment. Instead, his trust was placed in a “small fellow.” Who was he? Father presented him with diligence. He was a person who may not have had a towering reputation but had a proven track record of excellence in every minor task he was ever given.
The Logic of Trust Built on Small Things
Why this choice? The reasoning was both simple and deeply insightful. “I have trust in him,” Rev. Dr. DCunha explained. “So, that we know, he will do, whether a small thing or big thing, there is a certain end-up perfection in him.” This “end-up perfection” is not about flawless execution, but about a consistent character. It stems from a genuine interest in the work itself when someone is inherently interested.
We can trust that fellow because his commitment is not conditional on the scale of the project or the size of the pay check. He proves himself faithful when no one is watching, on tasks the world deems insignificant. The quality of their output is naturally high. This stands in stark contrast to the individual who is “looking for only big things.”
Such a person may have the trappings of success; size of the work, high position, or a powerful network. Rev. Dr. DCunha poses a crucial question: “At the end of the day, if there are no people around you who can trust you or believe you, then life becomes same.” What value do position and wealth hold if they are not underpinned by genuine trust?
The Collective Power of Faithful Domains
This philosophy extends beyond individual assignments. It is a blueprint for building great organizations and societies. “Small small things, the small small things add up to a great way,” he noted. Imagine an ecosystem where somebody is doing one work with faithfulness, somebody else is doing another, and a third is perfecting their own domain. The collective result is not just the sum of the parts; it is a beautiful, synergistic whole. We often waste energy blaming others for their failures; “how bad they are doing.” But the real power lies in focusing on our own work, our domain, with unwavering integrity.
The message is clear: Stop chasing the spotlight. Start perfecting the small, unseen tasks in front of you. Be the “small fellow” who can be trusted with anything, because you have proven faithful with everything. For leaders, the lesson is to look past the glitter of grand resumes and seek out those with a history of “end-up perfection.” In the quiet consistency of their work lies the true foundation for greatness.
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