Communicating EffectivelyCreating connection

Strategies to build trust 

Strategies to build trust 

5 minutes

Trust is the foundation of both professional and personal relationships. But how can you actively build it, especially when you may not work in the same physical environment?

 

Viewing trust as a natural response to specific qualities in a person helps in understanding how you can foster it. The absence of these qualities can significantly diminish trust and lead to disrepect, disconnection, and destructive conflict.

 

Review these 6 qualities and identify one area that you can work on. Focus on improving that essential quality to improve trust in your working relationships.

1
Be reliable
Keep your commitments and do what you say you’ll do!

A leader that consistently keeps their promises and fulfils their commitments fosters trust. When leaders are true to their word, others feel confident in relying on them.
2
Be transparent
Where possible, share and communicate openly about developments to ensure that team members feel informed and secure.

Uncertainty breeds anxiety and distrust. When leaders withhold important information, team members feel unsafe. Conversely, when thoughts, feelings, and critical updates are openly shared, everyone knows where they stand, allowing trust to flourish.
3
Be vulnerable
As a leader, trust is eroded when your words do not align with your actions or true feelings. For example, a leader who claims to value input but never listens comes across as inauthentic. The collation between words and actions is essential for maintaining trust.
4
Be authentic
Admit your mistakes and apologise. Leaders who never admit mistakes or apologise create an environment where others are reluctant to share their true thoughts.

A timely apology or acknowledgment of error can significantly build trust. Openness to admitting mistakes and vulnerability in leadership encourages honesty and trust among your team members.
5
Be personal
Finding common ground is crucial for building trust. Your connections need to truly know you trust them, and vice versa! Sharing something as simple as your love for cats or dogs, your favourite soccer team or your passion for cooking can make a significant difference.

Ask your team member questions about their interests to get to know them more. Then follow up about those interests in future conversations.

By being personal, you can break down barriers, fostering stronger, more relatable connections.
6
Share personal stories and experiences
Share your own experiences and stories with your team. Personal sharing can humanise you and your team members, making it easier to relate to one another and build trust.

The presence or absence of these qualities determines the level of trust in any relationship. If you sense a shift in trust or feel a lack of it, assess these qualities and pick one to work on over the next month — you’ll see the difference.  

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