How can you build trust and credibility with your followers?

To truly build trust and credibility as a leader through communication methods it is important to master non-verbal cues as well- such as facial expressions, gestures or even body language. They play an equally vital role in conveying our thoughts and intentions.

Napoleon Hill said something like, a man can't lead others until he learns how to master himself. Self-mastery and sharing results oriented advice and insights will set you apart in the world of "influencers." It's my goal to share insight that will touch 1 person a day and let them know their lives can be completely different IF they do something different. Teaching something you've read or studied is not as effective in teaching what YOU ARE. That will yield greater dividends in the long run.

The number one skill of a great leader is the ability to create new leaders. Leadership is a set of skills that requires practice. True leaders help develop the leadership skills of others by providing opportunities to function as leaders. Delegating leadership responsibilities to others you can see are ready to assume a more leadership role is a first step. Being available to provide guidance and empower others to success means freeing them to take risk and spread their wings. To empower others you must allow them to gain practical knowledge and confidence they can apply to future opportunities. This knowledge and confidence comes by doing. Good leaders encourage and empower others to lead.

Trust mean different thing to different people. Authenticity is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship, whether it's personal or professional. It's refreshing to see someone emphasize the value of staying true to oneself, especially in today's world where appearances can sometimes overshadow genuineness. When you're authentic, you invite a sense of reliability and sincerity that resonates deeply with others. It's not about being flawless, but rather about showing your true colors and owning your journey, flaws and all. This approach doesn't just build trust and credibility – it fosters a genuine connection that's bound to inspire and uplift those who follow your lead.

Personally, I like the 'Trust Equation'. There are various layouts, but I prefer the one that is laid out like a long-division sum. The top part (the nominator) consists of 'Consistency + Caring + Relationship'. These three can be scored out of 10, and then added together (max 30). These are then all divided by the bottom part (the denominator). This is simply one dimension, called 'Self-Interest'. The three nominators have to be greater than the one denominator if trust is to be earned. If your self-interest is higher than the top three, the sum equals less than one. If the top three are greater, then it's greater than one, and trust is earned.

These questions will help guide you on a journey of self-discovery and help you to improve: Do you know what your core values are? - How can you expect others to follow and trust you if you don’t know what you stand for? Do the people around you know what you stand for? - If you repeatedly demonstrate certain behaviors, people will associate them with you. Are you willing to fight for what you believe is right? - No point in having values you ignore at the first sign of trouble. Do you admit when you are wrong? - Unwillingness to admit mistakes leads to lost credibility. Are your words and actions aligned? - You need to practice what you preach. Do you trust others? If you don’t trust others, you can't expect them to trust you.