Building Trust

Trust is the grease that lubricates the engine of all relationships. There is a natural feeling of trust when dealing with your parents, siblings (unless you have relationship problems), or best friends. When you are in a relationship that is based on trust, you are both trusting and trusted.

The idea of trust assumes greater importance when you are in a work setting. Stephen Covey, the author of the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, once said: “Without trust, we don’t truly collaborate, we merely coordinate or, at best, cooperate. It is trust that transforms a group of people into a team.”

What Is Trust?

When you trust someone, it means that you are ok putting your emotional wellbeing in their hands with the implicit belief they will do you no harm. I am sure we all have been in work situations where we have trusted someone or where someone has trusted us deeply.

I have wondered what behaviors create trust, particularly in work settings, and I believe there are four essential traits that engender trust. These traits have to all operate in tandem. Absence any one of them, the feeling of trust will not exist.

1. Trust is when you keep your word- If you tell someone you will do something, you do it. Your word has to be good, always.
2. Trust is when you show Loyalty- This is that sense of steadfast devotion and faith that one has in the other person. No matter what the external factors or circumstances, the allegiance has to be rock solid. When you show loyalty, you evoke a strong sense of trust in the person you are loyal to. 
3. Trust is when you demonstrate Integrity- When you show up with high integrity, it means you have the necessary talent, skills, power, commitment, and diligence to accomplish or deliver what you have promised.  
4. Trust is when you practice Discretion- This is the quality of showing good judgment, particularly when it pertains to the relationship. For example, when you are good at honoring issues of confidentiality and privacy, the other person will trust you.

Trust does not develop overnight. Instead, building trust takes time and only happens when you repeatedly display these four characteristics.

If you ever find yourself struggling to earn someone’s trust, check yourself on these four dimensions. You will be able to figure out where the gap is.