Seven Stats on Trust
First, let’s remember why trust matters. In a 2017 scaled US study, researchers found that compared with people at low-trust companies, people at high-trust companies reported:
- 74% less stress
- 50% higher productivity
- 106% more energy at work
- 13% fewer sick days
- 76% more engagement
- 29% more satisfaction in their lives
- 40% less burnout
Trust is a leading driver of performance. With trust, performance skyrockets. Without trust, performance tanks. It factors into teamwork, relationships, productivity, morale, retention, and so much more. So, harness the power of trust using the 7 methods shared below.
Seven Ways to Build Trust
1. Be True to Character
Know your values and resolve to never compromise on your values, no matter the circumstance, no matter the rationale. Be true to character, always, and trust will skyrocket.
2. Deliver On Your Promises
Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it. In other words, deliver high-quality work on schedule. And, if you know you’re going to miss a deadline, communicate that you won’t make it and inform the other party of when you’ll be done. This makes you dependable and worthy of trust.

3. Be Responsive
Do you know someone who simply doesn’t respond to calls, emails, or texts? Are you that person 🙂 Responsiveness isn’t so common a trait these days, but it is a common trait in high-trust individuals. So, commit to being responsive and you’ll earn people’s trust.
4. Communicate
Don’t leave people guessing about what you’re thinking, doing, working on, feeling, and planning. Communication is what creates transparency, and you can’t have trust without transparency. So learn to effectively communicate what you’re doing, planning, working on, feeling, and thinking. Be transparent so people aren’t guessing, and trust ensues.
5. Tell the Truth
You’d think this goes without saying, but this is violated enough that it needs to be said. And, there are times when it’s hard to tell the truth. It sometimes takes courage, ownership, accountability, and responsibility. So, commit to always telling the truth, especially when it’s hard, no matter the consequence.

6. Give Trust
As with most things in life, you get what you give. So trust others, and they will begin to trust you in return. There is karma in trust too 🙂 Learn and try to give trust to others.
7. Be Consistent
This is quite simple, but it is the most important aspect to building trust. If you only tell the truth part of the time, if you deliver on some projects but not others, if you only respond to some communication, and if you’re only true to your values part of the time — nobody will trust you because you’re not consistent. Consistency in the above practices is the most important part to building, repairing, and maintaining trust.
How can you be more consistent? Use a planner, pre-week plan, and track and schedule your priorities first. Let your values and personal vision flow into your weekly plan. In short, learn to Do What Matters Most.

Wrapping Up
So, there it is. Be true to character. Deliver. Be responsive. Communicate clearly. Tell the truth. Give trust. And, do these things consistently by learning to Do What Matters Most! That’s powerful. That’s the mark of a truly great leader and person. That’s becoming your best!
“If we do not trust one another, we are already defeated.” — Alison Croggon
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