Trust isn’t built overnight – it is a long-term process that requires lasting changes in behaviour and habits.
1. Nurture and value long-term relationships.
When making decisions, keep in mind how they will affect your relationships with others in the future. It is good to adopt this perspective.
2. Speak honestly.
Tell the truth and be honest, even when it is uncomfortable. Only the brave do that. Don’t get caught lying.
3. Admit your mistakes, or when you were wrong.
Employees don’t like excuses or sugar-coating reality. They appreciate people taking responsibility. Admitting a mistake makes us more human.
4. Watch your promises and keep them.
A trustworthy person doesn’t make empty promises. And if they promise something, they do everything they can to keep their word.
5. Improve your communication.
Express yourself clearly and plainly, without hints or things left unsaid. Listen actively to what the other person says. Ask if you are not sure. Check that you are thinking correctly and have understood properly. Make sure you give no grounds for misinterpretation.
6. Look after transparency.
Don’t hide your intentions, plans or needs. Allow yourself to be predictable. Explain what you are doing and why. Secrets leave a lot of room for over-interpretation and for suspicion to grow.
7. Allow yourself emotions.
Being sensitive and showing feelings helps build trust – especially emotions that don’t provoke aggression. When something has upset us, it is better to talk about strong emotions than to act them out. Be sensitive, but not a crybaby. This principle requires high emotional intelligence.
8. Offer your help to others.
Supporting others, helping them and giving them what they need but cannot provide for themselves is important in building trust. It creates a sense of reciprocity. Don’t do things for them or impose yourself – ask how you can help.
9. Care about the cause and the people – and show it.
When we see that someone is committed and interested in the matter or in joint activities, it is easier for us to find room for cooperation and work out a solution together. Commitment shows in whether we remember the small things employees tell us.
10. Stand up for the common good.
Nurturing the values shared in a group and fighting for those values and for what is right is highly valued. Honesty and being a good person foster trust.
