Trust is not an easy thing to do these days. We live in a culture where it is getting harder and harder to really rely on other people. With over half of all marriages ending in divorce, business people lying, government leaders lying, and even church leader lying, who can we trust?
Yet in order to lead, you have to build trust with those that follow you. More often than not, trust is more important than love. So how do you build trust with others? Here are a few ideas…
Be transparent - No need to try to be perfect because you are not, so be transparent about your shortcomings. We all have them and when you fail admit it. Also be transparent when things are not going well. Strangely enough most people are scared to talk about the real issues; but if you want to build trust, talk about the positive and the negative. It has been said, transparency is the quickest way to trust.
Do what you say you will do - Along this same line, when you blow it and forget something, own it. Trust get eroded when someone says one thing and then does another. It is that simple.
Listen - Most people are not looking for you and me to fix anything, they just someone who cares about them. the best way to show you care is to simply listen. When we listen to others, it builds trust.
Be helpful - When it is in your power to do good for someone, do it. We have all been used by people and we hate it, but when you do the opposite of culture and really try to help others, it builds trust.
Trust - I know it is hard to trust when you have been hurt. But you cannot get what you are not willing to give. So in order to build trust, you have to trust others.
With all of that said, I still struggle with trust. So please add to this by sharing your thoughts on how you build trust? I would love to hear from you.
