TRUST is a funny thing. It can take years to gain and then in one brief moment (an instant) it’s gone. How then can we intentionally build trust and create a culture of trust? Especially, knowing that at some point we will make a mistake, say something that hurts, choose inaction, or put our foot in our mouths.
So, as leaders and coaches, how can we intentionally build up our trust “wealth”?
Legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said, “Every leader needs to remember that a healthy respect for authority takes time to develop. It’s like building trust. You don’t instantly have trust, it has to be earned.”
Here are 3 practices that you can start today to gain and build trust with others.
1) Give it Away –
No strings attached trust is shown to others by serving with no expectation of getting something in return. This is a simple and easy way to build trust with others when you first interact or meet. One quick way to build trust is to give it away to others.
2) No agenda –
Today it seems like there’s always an angle, some other hidden motivator or agenda. So when we engage with others, put their needs, their thoughts and feelings, their voice first. You will have to ask yourself, ‘what are you trying to gain from this relationship?’ ‘What’s my agenda?’
If your desire is to help, build, invest, serve, encourage then your personal agenda gets pushed to the side and the other person becomes the focus. We must see that the world doesn’t revolved around ourselves, but intentionally invest in those around us to encourage and build into them.
3) Put Yourself in their Shoes –
Naturally I want to talk about myself and I can guess that most everyone else is wired the same way. Unless we intentionally put others first, we will put our interests above others. The intentional person is able to push through self focus and place themselves into the ‘shoes’ of someone else. See the other side of the coin or look over the fence to see if the grass is greener. See life, emotions, experiences, circumstances, etc. through others’ eyes.
Trust is gained in Cents, but lost with Dollars. It takes time, energy, perseverance to gain and earn trust. And it can be lost in an instant! These 3 practices will not only allow you to gain trust quickly with others, but also, build up trust equity for those brief lapses in judgement. You will have built up a strong foundation to build upon and enrich and deepen your relationship.
Next Steps to think about…
How could take one practice and apply it today?
What is one step you can take to view your current situation from another’s perspective?
How can these practices help restore broken trust in a relationship?