Trust-building requires constant effort. Avoid the error of having too high of expectations too soon. Take baby steps and make little commitments at first to establish trust; as that trust increases, you will feel more at comfortable making and accepting bigger obligations. In general, if you trust someone, they will trust you back. Make only commitments you are content to accept. Say “no,” even if it disappoints someone, with guts. Everyone is worse off if you agree to something but can’t follow through. Keep track of your commitments and be clear about what you have to do. Building trust with family, friends, and coworkers requires being organised. Consistency typically leads to trust. People who are there for us regularly in both good and terrible times tend to have our highest level of trust. A powerful technique to earn someone’s trust is to demonstrate your support for them on a regular basis. People are more inclined to appreciate and trust you if you participate actively in the team and make contributions. Building a team’s trust also requires demonstrating your ability to do so. This is demonstrated by being open, willing, and able to contribute. In other words, evaluate what others have to say, exhibit active listening skills, respectfully share your opinions and feedback, and show that you want to work as a team.
