Buzz
An interesting thing occurs when you express trust in someone: they begin to lower their defenses. If you want to earn someone's trust, make sure they can see how much confidence you have in them.
People are more likely to trust those who seem to be working with them. As author Heidi Grant Halvorson discusses in her book No One Understands You and What To Do About It, much trust can come from the simple act of reciprocation:
We tend to trust those who have first trusted us — individuals who have demonstrated cooperation rather than competition, placing the needs of others before their own... Instead of viewing you negatively, the person perceiving this will likely feel that the gesture of trust signals you are aligned, working as a team.
How can you best show someone you trust them? Always allow them the freedom to make their own choices and grow from their mistakes (being overly controlling is a clear sign of distrust). Also, share personal information when appropriate, and support their opinions. If they claim they can complete a task or reach a goal, a simple “I know you can” can make a big impact. The more you visibly demonstrate your trust in them, the more likely they are to trust you in return.
Image courtesy of California National Guard.
