To trust this person?

[Pinkfluffyhotwaterbottle]

I wrote a long post then deleted it because I thought it was outing.

So I've simplified it.

If you were a new employee and there was a manager that nobody liked, literally no one , perhaps because they are confrontational.

Would you trust them if they'd been ok with you, and if you actually thought that they made some good points?

No.

I probably would t trust anyone if I’d just started and wait to suss them out

NOPE. Be weary and professional with them at all times. My manager frequently flips from Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde but can be months between.

Don't put yourself in any vulnerable situations where it's your word against theirs either. Be careful.

Yes, if the reason for dislike was the person being confrontational. That might be a valid reason to dislike someone, but it's not a reason to distrust them. I think it's better to judge people for oneself, in any event.

There is a chance that this manager is aware that everyone dislikes them and is trying to make an ally from a new employee.

You know your own mind and it’s OK to go against the crowd and like someone that nobody else does.

BUT

Try not to get drawn into an alliance with them and end up ‘against’ everybody else.

I take everyone on face value, so yes I would and then wait to see for myself. I would proceed with caution though and make sure I have covered my back in case it came back to bite me. I guess partly it depends what the others say they have done?

I have worked in places where some people are not in the 'clique' and therefore disliked. It doesn't necessarily mean the problem is them.

I’d be cautious but would try not to make a judgment on their character based on other people’s opinions

No probably not. I would suspect the other longer serving colleagues would have the better measure of them than I did.
Take as you find and all that but I wouldn't actually trust them no.

I trust everyone until they give me a reason not to.

No. There is someone at work who I get on with fine but I wouldn't trust him on the basis of stuff I have heard.

I would be guarded I think

No. I don't trust any managers really, from long and bitter experience (I work for myself now!)

If 'literally no one' in the organisation likes or trusts this person (assuming a reasonable size organisation), there will be a reason beyond the fact that they are confrontational or that they sometimes say things people don't agree with. Make your own mind up, and don't make unreasonable assumptions, but no, don't trust them.

No they will build you up then tear you down as soon as your defences are down. Don't trust them in any way.

No I wouldn't.

I'm a believer in there's no smoke without fire.

There is a reason people don't like them. Their behaviour has obviously led to this.

I'd be wary their plan is to reel you in and make you the replacement for the staffs attitude towards her but encouraging you to become her spokes person for the things she convinces you "she has a point over"

Some very good points here about the difference between liking someone and trusting them. I'd say to hold your own counsel for a little while yet OP, don't rush in to anything that may come back to bite you.

I think it depends really on what the "trust" entails!

From a professional point of view I might value and trust their judgement, or trust that they were being honest with me but I wouldn't share anything I couldn't afford to lose

I would be cautious.

Some people start nice, and turn crazy

Nope

Be professional and polite and friendly without sucking up, yes absolutely. But don’t trust them.

Be wary if they try to engage you in conversations about other members of staff.