Life Training: Advocate Seven Ways to Build Trust

A strong foundation leads to progress and success. This idea applies to both a relationship and a company for them to surpass all the undertakings along their way. When a new structure is being built, great attention is given to its most crucial part – its foundation. When the foundation is faulty, definitely the whole structure will become unstable. Small problems will become big and small cracks will lead to a disastrous consequence. On the other hand, if everything started with a solid foundation, the building will be able to stand firm and stable for a long time and might be able to stand a tremendous stress.

The building skill of the builder will depend on how strong the foundation he has created. It is much like building a house with stone rather than using sand. With this, your house will not only provide shelter and comfort to your family but will also secure you and give you the assurance that it will stand the ravages of time.

If we will not resort in building a strong foundation, the whole structure will be compromised and this may eventually lead to unexpected downfall. Trust builds a solid foundation. Armed with this, success is almost reachable. It solely depends on your personal choice to build trust on your relationship, otherwise, you are depriving yourself. Don’t be like that little old lady who went to the grocery store to complain to the grocer. "There's something wrong with this flour you sold me," she said. "It's too tough. This morning I made biscuits with it and my husband could hardly eat them."  That’s like some leaders.  “It’s not my fault!”  That breeds mistrust!

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Is money all there is to it?  Picture this out... A couple was having a heated argument regarding the family finances. Finally the husband exclaimed. He said, "You know, if it weren't for my money, this television set wouldn't be here. And if it weren't for my money, that easy chair you're sitting in wouldn't be here. AND, if it weren't for my money, this house wouldn't be here." The wife looked at him and said, “Are you kidding? If it weren't for your money, I wouldn't be here!” Sad but true…

Unfortunately, her motive was all wrong. To build a strong foundation in your company, or your family, building trust is the key. A strong foundation is not all about money.

To shed light on how to establish trust.

Number 1. Trust builds when you always tell the truth.

Some people seem to sensationalize or exaggerate EVERYTHING. They can take the simple truth and twist it till it’s unrecognizable.

Let’s look at this one old boy’s job description. In writing up his resume for a full-time position, an applicant described his summer job as, Purchasing, being responsible for the accuracy of daily cash transactions, and maintaining the morale, alertness, and well-being of the entire office staff. Actually, what he really did was go out for coffee.

Always tell the truth and you’ll never have to remember what you said!

Number 2. Trust builds over time.

This simply means that a leader sticks in there for an extended time. Relationships are built slowly and surely. Trust, like pouring any firm foundation, is a process. Clear the land.  Do a survey. Lay out positioning markers.  Dig and level. Pour the concrete.  Let it harden ... over time ... it cures and hardens ... so a huge building can be built on top of it.

Number 3. Trust builds when you are consistent.

1. Stay consistent with your Message, stay focused.

2. Stay consistent with your Vision, you have to put on the blinders ... have tunnel vision.

3. Stay consistent with your Actions.  Will your personal actions be in alignment with the things you’ve taught your team?  Don’t say one thing and do another.

Number 4. Trust builds when you are reliable

Are you a person of your word?

If you make an appointment, are you there on time?

Do you keep a promise?

Number 5. Trust builds when you are vulnerable.

Are you truthful and open about yourself?

About what is really happening behind the scenes?

Do your people feel tricked or duped when the whole story comes out?

Number 6. Trust builds when you show dedication.

When Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa, a group of friends wrote him: "We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good path into your area, yet?" According to a member of his family, Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."

Number 7. Trust builds when you demonstrate humility.

A true leader is humble, yet convinced of his role. A true leader is contrite when wrong, yet convinced he’s competent to continue.

Life will humble you if you refuse to humble yourself. After all, this is for your personal good.

One of the greatest principles I can teach you is to build trust. It is powerful! You will never be on the top if nobody trusts you. But if people will put their trust on you, they will be around for a lifetime. A team which puts trust as its foundation will go up the ladder of success together compared to those created with mistrust.