How to Build Trust and Assess Trustworthiness Personally And Professionally

When I think about the best relationships in my life, both personal and professional, the common factor is always trust. Trust allows you to focus on building and growing instead of worrying and guarding. When there is low trust, it's hard to achieve anything significant without expending extra energy and effort. The importance of trust in the workplace is well-documented. Trust is different from general goodwill; it’s about more than finding colleagues agreeable and nice to work with. Trust not only makes us feel good, it changes behavior. Trust has even been shown to create a chemical reaction: a study discussed a few years ago in Harvard Business Review showed the impact of trust on oxytocin levels. In the workplace, trust has been reported to significantly increase energy and productivity and reduce stress.

To build trust more effectively:

- Increase your credibility building knowledge and expertise. Can you deliver on what you say you can deliver? Credentials and references will increase your trustworthiness.

- Demonstrate your reliability by developing a reputation for getting things done and keeping your word. If people can count on you to follow through, you'll be more trustworthy. In their values. For instance, those who prioritize results may value credibility and reliability, while those who prioritize relationships may prioritize trustworthiness in evaluating the people in their lives.

When evaluating your level of trust in others, it can be helpful to reflect on the reasons behind your trust in certain individuals. For those whom you find it challenging to trust, it's important to consider areas where they may not meet your trust expectations.

It is crucial to assess your trustworthiness using four variables and set goals to improve it. Strengthening trust in all relationships will lead to more meaningful and seamless interactions. To determine the level of trust in your relationships, look for signs such as open and relaxed information exchange, a generous atmosphere, and smooth transactions without complex negotiations.