Trust Me

How to Inspire Confidence

Trust must be earned, and once in place, lived up to every day

As we go through our daily lives, we are presented with many opportunities to be a loyal confidant or coworker. A reputation for being dependable, reliable, and worthy of trust must be diligently protected to keep it intact.

By Bill Lindsey

1 Guard Private Information

Being indiscreet with something you saw, overheard, or were told and sharing that information with others in the hopes they’ll like you usually has the exact opposite result. This behavior warns those you share the information with, as well as those who asked you not to share it, that you’re someone who can’t be trusted. If someone tries to share gossip with you, make it clear you don’t want to hear it.

2 Show Up on Time 3 Nothing but the Truth

If you promise to pick up a coworker on the way to the office or attend a neighbor’s holiday party or meet a friend at the movie theater, be there on time. Being trustworthy means doing what you’ve agreed to do. Don’t assume the other person will understand if you break a promise. If you tell someone you’ll do something and then realize you can’t, tell them ASAP and hope they’re understanding. Earning a reputation for being trustworthy starts in grade school when the teacher asks why you didn’t do your homework and continues as you grow—telling a parent that you broke a lamp while playing inside or explaining to a boss why an assignment isn’t complete yet. It may seem hard to be completely honest sometimes, but the truth has a way of coming out, so it’s better if you’re completely upfront.

4 Transparency: Not Just for Ghosts

Being honest about your goals and abilities with co-workers, supervisors, and for those still in school, teachers allows them to understand you better and will, perhaps, inspire them to offer suggestions or assistance. As an example, if you’re unclear about how to perform a task at work, let your boss know sooner rather than later so he or she can provide the clarification or additional information you need to complete the assignment.

5 Be a True Friend

Discreetly letting a friend know he has a piece of lettuce stuck in his teeth, remembering the birthday of someone who may be far away and infrequently seen, or simply listening to a coworker’s frustrations— without interrupting, being judgmental, or inappropriately sharing what she said—all help you to build a reputation as a reliable, trustworthy person. So too does offering a sincere and timely apology for any misdeed you may have knowingly or otherwise committed.