We are all familiar with the expressions, “talk is cheap” and “actions speak louder than words.” For anyone who embraces trust as a personal or organizational imperative, what you say is not nearly as important as what you do. In fact, people learn by example, not through empty words like “I believe in you” or “great job” or that end-of-year performance “review.”
If you want to build trust in any relationship (family, friends, colleagues, coworkers, employees) you should find at least a few helpful suggestions in the list below:
- Be selfless instead of selfish. Put yourself second. Do something wonderful and unexpected. Do it just because you can.
- Celebrate every great achievement, every risk taken, and even the failures that can serve as learning experiences.
- Buy those turkeys at Thanksgiving, even if money is tight.
- Give an extra day off instead of “docking” someone for time not “earned.”
- Honor those who work hard with unscheduled bonuses.
- Catch someone doing something right. Pat someone on the back.
- Schedule some time for fun.
- Forego your “special” parking space and don’t brag about your “vacation” home or your latest “toy.”
- Spend time out of your ivory tower and down on the shop floor.
- Share a personal story. Be human, but don’t be a drama queen (or king.)
Don’t tell your family, friends, colleagues or your employees that you care. Instead, show them. Your actions might be contagious, and they will most certainly build trust.
What other actions have helped you build trust in relationships? Leave a comment.
Barbara Brooks Kimmel is the Executive Director of Trust Across America-Trust Around the World whose mission is to help organizations build trust. She is also the editor of the award winning TRUST INC. book series. In 2012 Barbara was named “One of 25 Women Changing the World” by Good Business International.
. 
If you would like to communicate directly with Barbara, drop her a note at Barbara@trustacrossamerica.com
Copyright © 2014, Next Decade, Inc.
No Responses to “In Building Trust, Actions Speak Louder Than Words”