Top 10 Ways to Build Trust & Credibility

When others trust you, it builds credibility.  However, if you’re in a new position, or if you accidentally did something that reduces others trust in you, it will take time to earn or regain others trust. 

Building trust with others works like a bank account. When you do something that earns trust, a deposit is made with that person or group.  When something happens that negatively affects trust, it usually results in a large withdraw from the trust account. Thus, it helps to approach every day as an opportunity to build up the trust account. This, in turn, affects your credibility.

Here is my Top 10 List on how to build trust and credibility that you can implement immediately. 

1.    Give Trust to Others: The number one way to get others to trust you is to trust them first.  Do you believe the other person is competent, committed, honest, etc.? If you feel another person is not being honest with you, they probably, in turn, are questioning your honesty.

How are people going to trust you if you don’t trust them? Think about it. If you’re feeling like you’re struggling to gain another person’s trust, stop and ask yourself if you trust that person, group, team, or organization.

It is extremely difficult if not impossible for others to trust you if you don’t trust them. 

2. Communicate Clearly. Simply put, set clear expectations and resist making assumptions. Don’t assume others know what you want, what to do, and how to do it. Nobody’s a mind reader. And, remember, people will rarely see things the same way as you. Instead, it’s your responsibility to be clear about your needs and expectations. In addition, ensure you understand what is important to others and what their expectations are. By checking assumptions and clearly communicating you will build trust with others, while avoiding miscommunications that can negatively impact others trust in you.

3. Honor Your Word and Speak Your Truth. Watch those little white lies. You might be really good about honoring your word, but I would challenge you to ask yourself if you always speak your truth, especially when it’s not easy or comfortable. For example, let’s say a co-worker invites you and your significant other over to their house for dinner, yet you have no interest in attending. If you say something like, “Sorry we can’t, but perhaps another time,” you are still stringing them along and not speaking your truth. These little things can become big things. Watch what you’re telling others. You don’t have to be mean or hurtful. Instead, say something like, “Thank you for the invitation, but we will have to pass.”

4. Take Blame and Give Credit.  Moving from an individual performer to supporting others will help to build your trust and credibility, especially if you’re in a leadership role. As a leader, your role is to be there for others – to take the blame if they fail and to give them all the credit when they succeed. If the team is not performing, it’s up to you to make sure they do. This doesn’t mean you do all the work, but instead help ensure they have the tools, direction, and ability to perform. On the flip side give credit to them when they are doing fabulously or when they’re making strides. When they are working hard, acknowledge their hard work, even if there is still room for improvement.

5. Follow-Through. An easy way to build trust and credibility is to follow-up on your commitments. If you are unable to deliver results, or if it’s going to take more time, let others know in a timely manner. People hate negative surprises, like finding out at the last minute that the project is not going to be done on time. By communicating throughout the project you are showing respect to the other person, which helps to build trust and credibility.

6. Don’t Bad Mouth. To build your trust with others, make a commitment right now that you will no longer gossip, complain or judge others. This also means to show loyalty and respect, which is especially important for leaders. Even if you don’t quite agree with others. The person who bad mouths others, even those in decision making positions, is killing their own credibility.

7. Walk the Talk. Model the way - people are watching you. Is what you are saying congruent with your actions? Watch yourself.  Are you displaying the actions you want to see from others? For example, if you’re asking a subordinate to manage their time better, make sure you are effectively setting priorities and managing your time. Is negative gossip an issue in your environment? If so, and you’re a leader, more than likely you also gossip and/or allow for the behavior.

8. Listen More and Talk Less.  Listening is a skill that must be worked on every day. This is a simple skill to develop. Just stop talking so much.  Hold back from the urge to share your opinion. Let’s be honest…most people don’t care about your opinion. Instead they are seeking to be heard. When you can truly listen and just be with others, without having to put in your insightful two-cents, it goes a long way toward building trust.  Listening is not about waiting until it is your turn to talk. Learn how to listen to understand. As the saying goes, “Seek to understand first, then to be understood.”

9. Admit When You’re Wrong. As a leader, manager, supervisor, or parent, it’s hard to admit when you’re wrong. But, when you can it goes a long way toward building your trust and credibility.

10. Ignore Detractors. Don’t get caught up with people who might not be giving you the authority or respect you want. People tend to get wrapped up with those few who detract them from doing what they feel is best. Be who you are, know who you are, know your principals, know your values, know your strengths, and step into them. For whatever reason these detractors may never come around, they may, but if they don’t that’s okay. Sometimes we spend so much time with the energy zappers that it takes away from your performance and your confidence. Don’t allow this to happen.  Be clear on who you are, what your principles are, what you feel is right, and keep moving forward – with or without them.

Every day is an opportunity to add to the trust you have built with others.  As you gain the trust of others, it will have a direct impact on your credibility as well. However, remember you are human and not perfect. There will be times when you will lose others trust, for whatever reason. It happens. It’s part of life. However, by practicing these ten behaviors every day, you will always be building your trust and credibility.

Challenge yourself to practice one or more of these behaviors throughout your day. By doing so, you’ll reap the benefits of building that trust account.

For more on this topic, check out the podcast.