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Low trust undermines relationships, stifles innovation, slows everything down and eventually destroys performance. It’s not possible to lead when those you lead don’t trust you. It’s not possible to influence stakeholders when they don’t trust you.

By definition, the only way to build trust is to extend more trust than is warranted. Someone has to go first and if you want to be truly influential, that someone must be you.

More often than not, the trust you extend to others will come back with interest; it’s called the principle of reciprocity. Of course, there’s no guarantee. It’s possible that your trust won’t be reciprocated. But what’s the alternative? Stay safe and uninfluential!

If you want to be a person of influence, make peace with the risk, which is relatively small, and do it anyway.

INSPIRATION FROM OTHERS

“Mistrust begets mistrust; trust begets accomplishment.” – Lao Tzu

“Trust isn’t what we do; it is what results from what we do.” – Richard Fagerlin

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON

Think of someone with whom you would like to build greater trust;

• What could you share with them?
• What more responsibility could you offer to them?
• How else could you show them that you trust them?
  

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