Trust is essential to build positive relationships when working with others and especially in a leadership role. Making and building relationships is a continuous activity, not a one-time event. It takes time and effort; however, worth every minute of your time. By avoiding trust-lessening behaviors, you will increase your chances of developing leadership skills and collegial relationships that are lasting.
Trust-building Behaviors
- Encourages
- Helps others
- Listens
- Shares ideas and thoughts
- Speaks directly with respect
- Is consistent
- Cooperates
- Acts as equal
- Acts self-assured
- Accentuates the positive
- Acts calmly under stress
- Acts earnestly
- Is empathetic
- Is fair
- Is open
- Is friendly
- Accepts people
- Is transparent
- Meets commitments
- Tries to resolve conflicts
- Empowers people
- Treats people with respect
Trust-lessening Behaviors
- Discourages people, criticizes harshly
- Is uninvolved or aloof
- Ignores or is indifferent
- Is vague, hides thoughts and feelings
- Is devious or indirect
- Is unpredictable
- Competes
- Acts superior
- Acts fearful, insecure
- Emphasizes the negatives
- Overreacts, explodes
- Manipulates
- Is cold; over emphasis on being neutral
- Is judgmental
- Is controlling, close-minded
- Is uninvolved, standoffish
- Is highly critical, not understanding
- Is underhanded and sneaky
- Sends mixed signals; no explanation
- Threatens, acts vindictive
- Insults, ridicules others
- Stereotypes; cuts people down
Adapted from “Making the Most of Being Mentored” by Gordon F. Shea
If you are interested in building relationships and trust, you may want to see our article on Running a Successful Meeting as Easy as ABC.
Photo by © Raywoo
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