Fifteen Behaviors To Build Trust in Relationships

It’s all about the behavior!?

Whether you’re a leader, a follower, or someone who leads and follows simultaneously, you’ll recognize that relationships which are built on trust are important and sometimes that trust is the only thing that causes decisions and introductions to be made which lead to more organizational efficiency and success.? Trust can also make or break the teams and organizations. ??

Building trust is essential for fostering strong relationships, whether in personal or professional settings. Trust is developed through consistent, transparent (sometimes it means being as transparent as possible given the circumstances), and supportive behaviors that demonstrate reliability and integrity (Dirks & Ferrin, 2002). ?These trust-building behaviors include clear communication, active listening, fulfilling commitments, and displaying empathy (Mayer et al., 1995). When individuals feel heard, understood, and valued, trust is more likely to be established, leading to deeper connections and stronger partnerships (Burke et al., 2007). Trust is not only a key factor in interpersonal relationships but also plays a crucial role in organizational success, contributing to effective teamwork and collaboration (Kramer, 1999).

To build trust, specific behaviors can be identified, defined, practiced, and evaluated to assess the results.? Here are a few trust-building behaviors that you can use:

• Active Listening – Pay close attention, show empathy, and engage with what others are saying without interrupting. ?

Active listening is a critical behavior for building trust because it demonstrates genuine interest and respect for others. When individuals actively listen, they focus on understanding the speaker’s message without interruptions, which fosters a deeper connection and shows empathy (Brown, 2019). This creates a safe environment where people feel valued and heard, enhancing trust within relationships. By fully engaging in conversations, active listeners help reduce misunderstandings and encourage open communication, further strengthening trust (Rogers, 1980). This trust-building dynamic is essential for personal and professional interactions.

• Consistency – Follow through on promises and maintain consistent behavior over time.

Consistency plays a vital role in building trust because it reflects reliability and integrity in one’s actions over time. When individuals behave consistently, they create a sense of predictability, allowing others to rely on them with confidence (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). This reliability fosters trust, as people feel more secure in relationships where behaviors and responses are stable and dependable. Consistency also reinforces credibility, as actions align with words, demonstrating authenticity and accountability (Colquitt, Scott, & LePine, 2007). Trust flourishes in environments where individuals are consistent in meeting their commitments.

• Transparency – Be open and honest about your intentions, actions, and decisions, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Transparency is a crucial factor in building trust because it fosters openness and reduces uncertainty in relationships. When individuals are transparent, they openly share their intentions, decisions, and information, which demonstrates honesty and integrity (Mayer, Davis, & Schoorman, 1995). This openness allows others to feel more secure, as they are not left guessing about motives or hidden agendas. Transparency also helps to create a culture of accountability, where expectations are clear, and trust is built through honest communication (Gillespie & Dietz, 2009). In professional and personal contexts, transparency strengthens trust by promoting clarity and reducing the potential for misunderstandings.

• Admitting Mistakes – Take responsibility for errors and show a willingness to correct them.

Admitting mistakes is a powerful trust-building behavior because it demonstrates accountability, humility, and a commitment to integrity. When individuals take responsibility for their errors, they show that they are honest and willing to learn, which enhances their credibility (Gillespie & Dietz, 2009). This openness fosters a culture of trust, as others feel more comfortable sharing their own mistakes and challenges without fear of blame or judgment. Admitting mistakes also signals that the individual values the relationship more than their ego, further strengthening trust and creating an environment of mutual respect (Dirks & Ferrin, 2001).

• Giving Credit – Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and efforts of others openly.

Giving credit is a necessary trust-building behavior because it acknowledges the contributions and efforts of others, which fosters a sense of appreciation and respect. By recognizing and valuing the work of others, individuals show that they are not focused solely on their own success, but on the collective effort, which strengthens trust in relationships (Dirks & Ferrin, 2001). This act of giving credit encourages collaboration and reinforces a positive, supportive environment, making people feel valued and respected. When others know their contributions will be acknowledged, it deepens mutual trust and reinforces team cohesion (Cameron & Spreitzer, 2012).

• Respecting Boundaries – Honor personal and professional boundaries, ensuring people feel comfortable and respected.

Respecting boundaries is crucial for building trust because it demonstrates respect for the personal and professional space of others, which creates a sense of safety and autonomy. When individuals honor others' limits, they show that they value their needs and preferences, fostering a trusting environment where people feel secure (Clarkson, 1996). Respecting boundaries helps to avoid overstepping or intruding into personal areas, which can lead to discomfort or conflict. By acknowledging and honoring these boundaries, individuals build a foundation of trust that enhances both interpersonal and professional relationships (Gillespie & Dietz, 2009).

• Providing Constructive Feedback – Offer feedback that is helpful and supportive, focusing on solutions and growth.

Providing constructive feedback helps build trust by showing that the individual offering feedback is invested in the recipient’s growth and success. Constructive feedback is solution-focused, specific, and delivered in a way that encourages improvement without being overly critical, which creates a positive and supportive atmosphere (Stone, Patton, & Heen, 2010). By offering feedback with the intention of helping rather than blaming, trust is strengthened because it demonstrates care and a commitment to the other person's development (Dirks & Ferrin, 2001). This mutual support fosters a deeper sense of trust in both personal and professional relationships.

When individuals consistently deliver on promises and demonstrate dependability, they create a sense of security and predictability, which are essential elements of trust.

• Being Reliable – Be dependable by meeting deadlines, showing up on time, and being someone others can count on.

Being reliable is a key factor in building trust because it shows others that they can depend on you to follow through on commitments and meet expectations. When individuals consistently deliver on promises and demonstrate dependability, they create a sense of security and predictability, which are essential elements of trust (Colquitt, Scott, & LePine, 2007). Reliability fosters confidence in both personal and professional relationships, as people feel reassured that they can count on the individual to be there when needed, further strengthening trust over time (Kouzes & Posner, 2017).

• Maintaining Confidentiality – Keep sensitive information private and respect the trust placed in you.

Maintaining confidentiality is vital for building trust because it demonstrates respect for others’ privacy and the information they share. When individuals trust that their sensitive information will be kept private, they feel more secure in disclosing personal or professional matters, which strengthens the relationship (Rotter, 1980). By honoring confidentiality, individuals show that they are reliable and respectful, which fosters an environment of trust and openness (Gillespie & Dietz, 2009). This trust is essential for effective communication and collaboration in both personal and organizational settings.

• Empathy and Understanding – Show genuine care for the emotions and perspectives of others.

Empathy and understanding are indispensable for building trust because they demonstrate that individuals are attuned to and care about the feelings and perspectives of others. When someone shows empathy, they validate the emotions and experiences of others, which fosters a sense of safety and emotional connection (Goleman, 1995). This emotional attunement promotes open communication and deepens trust, as people feel heard and supported. Empathy strengthens relationships by creating a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, which is crucial for maintaining trust in both personal and professional interactions (Covey, 2006).

• Showing Appreciation – Regularly express gratitude for the relationship and acknowledge the other person's value.

Showing appreciation helps build trust by reinforcing that individuals are valued and their contributions are recognized. When people feel appreciated, they are more likely to trust those who acknowledge their efforts, as it creates a positive atmosphere of mutual respect and support (Cameron & Spreitzer, 2012). Appreciation also strengthens the emotional bonds between individuals, fostering goodwill and collaboration. Regular expressions of gratitude demonstrate that the relationship is valued, which enhances trust by promoting a culture of recognition and care (Seligman, 2011). In both personal and professional contexts, appreciation fosters loyalty and deeper trust.

• Open Communication – Encourage open dialogue, ask questions, and foster an environment where feedback is welcomed.

Open communication is needed for building trust because it fosters transparency, reduces misunderstandings, and creates a space where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and concerns. When people communicate openly, they share information freely, which encourages honesty and accountability in relationships (Rogers, 1980). This openness allows for more effective problem-solving and collaboration, as individuals are more likely to trust those who are clear and forthcoming in their communication (Gillespie & Dietz, 2009). By promoting a culture of open dialogue, trust is strengthened, leading to healthier and more productive personal and professional relationships.

• Avoiding Blame – Focus on problem-solving rather than assigning blame when challenges arise.

Avoiding blame helps build trust by fostering a collaborative and solution-focused environment rather than one centered on fault-finding. When individuals focus on resolving issues rather than assigning blame, they demonstrate a commitment to teamwork and mutual growth, which enhances trust (Covey, 2006). This approach encourages openness and honesty, as people are more willing to acknowledge challenges without fear of retribution. By shifting the focus to problem-solving, trust is strengthened because it signals that the relationship prioritizes constructive engagement and shared responsibility (Stone, Patton, & Heen, 2010).

• Supporting Others' Success – Actively support the growth, success, and well-being of others.

Supporting others' success helps build trust by showing that you are genuinely invested in their growth and well-being. When individuals actively contribute to the success of others, they demonstrate selflessness and commitment to the relationship, fostering a sense of mutual respect and loyalty (Seligman, 2011). This support encourages collaboration and strengthens trust because people feel valued and understood, knowing that their goals are shared and celebrated by others. By championing others' achievements, trust deepens, and relationships become more cooperative and resilient (Cameron & Spreitzer, 2012).

• Being Congruent – Your words and actions should match.

Being congruent in words and actions improves building trust by demonstrating integrity and authenticity. When individuals align what they say with what they do, they establish reliability and credibility, which are key components of trust (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). This consistency shows others that they can depend on the individual, as their actions match their promises and commitments. By maintaining this alignment, people convey that they are trustworthy and accountable, fostering deeper confidence in both personal and professional relationships (Colquitt, Scott, & LePine, 2007).

Summary

Trust in relationships is built through consistent, intentional behaviors that demonstrate reliability, integrity, and mutual respect. Behaviors like active listening, transparency, and being congruent in words and actions establish a foundation of dependability and openness. When individuals actively listen, they show empathy and attentiveness, making others feel valued and understood. Transparency fosters trust by reducing ambiguity and promoting honest communication, while congruence between words and actions ensures that promises and commitments are reliably met, reinforcing trust through consistent behavior. Each of these actions contributes to a sense of security and predictability, which is crucial for building and maintaining trust.

Additionally, supporting others' success, avoiding blame, and showing appreciation help strengthen emotional bonds and create an environment of mutual respect. When individuals encourage the success of others and provide constructive feedback, they demonstrate a commitment to the growth of the relationship and the well-being of the other person. By avoiding blame and focusing on solutions, trust is further strengthened as it encourages openness and reduces fear of retribution. Regularly showing appreciation reinforces the value of the relationship, fostering goodwill and deepening the trust between individuals. Together, these behaviors create a solid foundation for trust, promoting healthier and more resilient personal and professional relationships.

About the author:

Dr. Chris Fuzie is deeply committed to behavior-based leadership because he believes that effective leadership is not just about authority or position, but about the actions and interactions between leaders and followers. His focus on behavior-based leadership stems from a desire to bridge the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing that leadership is shaped by how people behave in real-time, especially under pressure. By examining both positive and negative behaviors, Dr. Fuzie seeks to provide leaders with practical tools to enhance communication, improve decision-making, and foster stronger, more adaptive relationships within teams and organizations.

?References

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Covey, S. R. (2006). The speed of trust: The one thing that changes everything. Free Press.

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