How can you build trust with peers without triggering their emotions?

1 Listen actively

One of the best ways to build trust with peers is to listen actively to what they say and how they say it. Active listening means paying attention, showing interest, asking open-ended questions, reflecting back, and summarizing. It also means avoiding distractions, interruptions, judgments, or assumptions. By listening actively, you can show respect, empathy, and curiosity, and you can learn more about your peers' feelings, needs, and goals.

3 Share your emotions

A third way to build trust with peers is to share your emotions, but only when it is appropriate and helpful. Sharing emotions means expressing your feelings honestly, clearly, and respectfully, without blaming, attacking, or manipulating others. It also means being aware of your triggers, boundaries, and coping strategies, and asking for what you need or want. By sharing emotions, you can show vulnerability, authenticity, and courage, and you can invite your peers to do the same.

5 Give feedback gently

A fifth way to build trust with peers is to give feedback gently, but only when it is requested and constructive. Giving feedback gently means providing honest, specific, and balanced comments, without hurting, shaming, or discouraging others. It also means using "I" statements, positive language, and sandwich technique, and asking for permission, consent, and feedback in return. By giving feedback gently, you can show care, appreciation, and growth, and you can help your peers improve their skills, behaviors, or outcomes.

6 Celebrate their successes

A sixth way to build trust with peers is to celebrate their successes, no matter how big or small they are. Celebrating successes means acknowledging, praising, and congratulating your peers' achievements, progress, or efforts, without comparing, competing, or envying them. It also means sharing joy, gratitude, and pride, and joining them in their celebrations, without taking credit, stealing spotlight, or diminishing their happiness. By celebrating successes, you can show support, recognition, and positivity, and you can boost your peers' confidence, motivation, and well-being.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?