Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, but
oddly enough, most of us don’t think about it until it’s been
broken. By that time, it may be too late to gain it back. Trust
doesn’t “just happen” through some sort of magical
relationship osmosis. It’s built and sustained through the use
of very specific behaviors. Whether you’re a leader, coach,
teacher, parent, or friend, the skill of building trust is critical
to the success of your relationships.
The four elements of trust are illustrated by the ABCD Trust Model™. You build trust when you are:
Able – Demonstrate Competence. People show they are able when they have the expertise
needed for their job, role, or position. They consistently achieve results and are effective
problem solvers and decision makers. Demonstrating competence inspires others to have
confidence and trust in you.
Believable – Act with Integrity . Trustworthy people are honest with others. They behave
in a manner consistent with their stated values, treat people fairly, and behave ethically.
“Walking the talk” is essential in building trust in relationships.
Connected – Care About Others. Being connected means focusing on people, having good
communication skills, and recognizing the contributions of others. Caring about others
builds trust because people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you
care.
Dependable – Maintain Reliability. Dependable people follow through on their
commitments. They respond timely to requests and hold themselves and others
accountable. Not doing what you say you will do quickly erodes trust with others.