Build Trust

In real estate the three most important things to remember are: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. When implementing major change the three most important things to always remember are: TRUST, TRUST, TRUST.

Those who do not have a high level of trust in their leaders are unlikely to attempt any significant change. Conversely, even when uncertain of the significant change that is being proposed, many individuals are willing to give change a try because of the high level of trust they have in their leadership. The good news about trust is that you can build trust. The bad news is that trust is built very slowly. So how do you build trust?

William Bridges, in his book Managing Transitions (Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1991), offers suggestions for building trust:

DON'T MAKE PROMISES YOU CAN'T OR WON'T KEEP. (Always under-promise and over-deliver!)
PEOPLE TRUST THOSE THEY BELIEVE UNDERSTAND THEM. (So listen to others carefully and discover what matters to them)
PEOPLE MISTRUST THOSE THEY ARE UNABLE TO READ. (Share yourself honestly)
ASK FOR, ACKNOWLEDGE AND VALUE FEEDBACK. (People want to be heard)
DON'T PUSH PEOPLE TO TRUST YOU FURTHER THAN YOU ARE WILLING TO TRUST THEM. (Trust is mutual)
TRY EXTENDING YOUR TRUST OF OTHERS A LITTLE FURTHER (Trustworthy people tend to be more trusting)
DON'T BE SURPRISED IF YOUR TRUST-BUILDING IS VIEWED SUSPICIOUSLY. (Trustworthy people are hard to find)
WHEN IN DOUBT…..ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. (It's one of the most important keys to building trust)