Trust is the foundation for any successful relationship. It is measured by how much confidence we have in someone to be honest, transparent, and reliable. A high level of trust is the glue that brings people together with the belief they will do right by us. When trust is lacking, it can undermine a potentially new relationship or cause the demise of an already existing one.
How do you build trust?
Earning trust is a process that requires you to behave in ways that actively solicit it from others. Inconsistency and insincerity in your behavior are the key ingredients for failure. Overall, trust can be hard to gain and easy to lose, so take your approach seriously.
To build trustful relationships, engage with people in the following manner:
(1) Be honest and transparent in all your interactions.
Telling the truth is essential for building and maintaining credibility. While an occasional white lie might seem harmless, every untruth chips away at your trustworthiness.
(2) Own your vulnerabilities.
Admitting when you don’t know something or are wrong shows humility. People are more likely to trust someone who acknowledges their shortcomings than someone who pretends to be perfect.
(3) Be reliable in both word and deed.
When building trust, your actions are just as important as your words. People’s trust will erode if your behavior consistently contradicts the person you claim to be.
(4) Be transparent in your communication.
Openly share your intentions and the reasoning behind your actions. Helping people understand the “why” and “how” eliminates secrecy and prevents unwelcome surprises.
(5) Show appreciation for others.
Demonstrate genuine faith in who they are and what they have to offer. Extending gratitude and praise for their efforts and achievements will go a long way in building trust.
(6) Treat everyone with fairness, respect, and dignity.
Acting in ways that favor some individuals over others can make you appear insensitive and biased. Any perceived violation of the principles of equality and justice is an immediate trigger for distrust.
(7) Honor your promises.
Despite your best intentions, people need to see results. If you consistently fail to deliver on your commitments, others are likely to see you as incompetent and untrustworthy.
(8) Have faith in others.
Assume the best in people until proven otherwise—trust them to be dependable, honest, transparent, and consistent. To build rewarding relationships, trust must be reciprocal.
The Outcomes of High-Trust Relationships
In relationships with high trust, you will experience greater…
Peace of Mind
Outcomes: Experience a profound sense of calm and relaxation, free from the stress, anxiety, worries, and past traumas that once hindered your ability to build meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
Respect
Outcomes: Cultivate relationships with individuals you genuinely admire and appreciate for their authentic selves, rather than who you wish them to be. In turn, you will earn their sincere esteem and high regard.
Constructive Communication
Outcome: Engage in open, meaningful dialogue with a supportive network to help you navigate challenges and make more informed life decisions. This style of communication will become an invaluable resource for your professional advancement and personal growth.
Camaraderie
Outcome: Forge rewarding friendships and business connections, allowing you to spend quality time with people whose company you truly enjoy.
Opportunities
Outcomes: Surround yourself with people who inspire you to realize your true potential. They will become your greatest cheerleaders as you explore new possibilities and pursue your ambitions.
What can be done to restore trust?
Restoring trust is a difficult process, especially after it has been significantly broken. While forgiveness for past actions is possible, a lingering sense of doubt can hinder the future of the relationship. Depending on the circumstances and the individuals involved, trust may never be fully rebuilt.
The bottom line is, it’s far better to maintain trust than to risk losing it forever.
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**Article originally published on the website of Smart Strategies for Successful Living at: CLICK HERE.
Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living
Patricia K. Flanigan is a vibrant and passionate advocate for quality living and aging. She has dedicated over 28 years to working in higher education, but now enjoys a more peaceful lifestyle as the founding director and writer of Smart Strategies for Successful Living. In her free-time, she cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends, as well as getting out into nature with her beloved Samoyed dog, Wylie. Patricia loves helping others age gracefully and shares her wisdom through her content to promote the ultimate success in living.
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