Relationship trust is all about behavior ... consistent behavior. It is about learning how to interact with others in ways that increase trust and avoid interacting in ways that destroy it. There are 13 behaviors common to high-trust people.
Actions .... not words ... clearly demonstrate intentions. Our actions speak so loudly that others cannot hear what we say.
Behavior #1 - Talk Straight
Be honest. Tell the truth. Let people know where you stand. Use simple language. Call things what they are. Demonstrate integrity. Don't manipulate people or distort facts. Don't spin the truth. Don't leave false impressions.
Behavior #2 - Demonstrate Respect
Genuinely care for others. Show you care. Respect the dignity of every person and every role. Treat everyone with respect, especially those who can't do anything for you. Show kindness in the little things. Don't fake caring. Don't attempt to be "efficient" with people.
Behavior #3 - Create Transparency
Tell the truth in a way people can verify. Get real and genuine. Be open and authentic. Err on the side of disclosure. Operate on the premise of "what you see is what you get." Don't have hidden agendas. Don't hide information.
Behavior #4 - Right Wrongs
Make things right when you are wrong. Apologize quickly. Make restitution where possible. Practice "service recoveries." Demonstrate personal humility. Don't cover things up. Don't let pride get in the way of doing the right thing.
Behavior #5 - Show Loyalty
Give credit freely. Acknowledge the contributions of others. Speak about people as if they were present. Represent others who aren't there to speak for themselves. Don't bad-mouth others behind their backs. Don't disclose others' private information.
Behavior #6 - Deliver Results
Establish a track record of results. Get the right things done. Make things happen. Accomplish what you are hired to do. Be on time and within budget. Don't overpromise and underdeliver. Don't make excuses for not delivering.
Behavior #7 - Get Better
Continuously improve. Increase your Capabilities. Be a constant learner. Develop feedback systems - both formal and informal. Act on the feedback you receive. Thank people for feedback. Don't assume today's knowledge and skills will be sufficient for tomorrow's challenges.
Behavior #8 - Confront Reality
Address the tough stuff directly. Acknowledge the unsaid. Lead out courageously in conversation. Remove the "sword from their hands." Don't skirt the real issues. Don't bury your head in the sand.
Behavior #9 - Clarify Expectations
Disclose and reveal expectations. Discuss them. Validate them. Renegotiate them if needed and possible. Don't violate expectations. Don't assume that expectations are cleared or shared.
Behavior #10 - Practice Accountability
Hold yourself accountable. Hold others accountable. Take responsibility for results. Be clear on how you'll communicate how you're doing - and how others are doing. Don't avoid or shirk responsibility. Don't blame others or point fingers when things go wrong.
Behavior #11 - Listen First
Listen before you speak. Understand. Diagnose. Listen with your ears - and your eyes and heart. Find out what the most important behaviors are to the people you're working with. Don't assume you know what matters most to others. Don't presume you have all the answers - or all the questions.
Behavior #12 - Keep Commitments
Say what you're going to do, then do what you say you're going to do. Make commitments carefully and keep them. Make keeping commitments the symbol of your honor. Don't break confidences. Don't attempt to "PR" your way out of a commitment you have broken.
Behavior #13 - Extend Trust
Demonstrate a propensity to trust. Extend trust abundantly to those who have earned your trust. Extend conditionally to those who are earning your trust. Learn how to appropriately extend trust to others based on the situation, risk and credibility (character & competence) of the people involved. But have a propensity to trust. Don't withhold trust because their is risk involved.
Which 3 or 4 behaviors will make the most difference in your relationships? Ask yourself what actions you will take to build more trust!
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