The One Thing You Can't Afford to Lose

[3-min read]

Imagine this: A regular Tuesday turns upside down with just one phone call.

My client, clearly worried, points out a mistake in the report we sent. My heart sank.

It wasn’t just the error that worried me. What really concerned me was the thought of losing a client’s trust.

We’d spent years building this trust, and now it was in jeopardy.

I remembered something my dad once said: “Trust is like a mirror. You can fix it if it’s broken, but it’s never quite the same.”

I knew I had to act quickly to maintain the integrity of our relationship. I dove into the problem head-on.

Thankfully, it was just a minor misunderstanding. Handling it proactively actually made our relationship stronger than ever.

This incident was a powerful reminder: Trust is everything. It’s silent but mighty, holding together all relationships. And when it’s shaken, everything feels unstable.

Digging Into Trust: What We Know

Trust is more than just a nice-to-have. Research shows it’s key to all successful relationships.

Social psychology studies reveal that trust builds up over time through consistent actions. Being predictable makes us feel safe and secure (American Psychological Association).

Trust also brings immense benefits to organizations.

People in high-trust workplaces feel more energized, are more productive, and show higher engagement (Harvard Business Review).

Such an environment of trust encourages risk-taking, innovation, and collaboration, driving the organization toward shared successes (Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization).

And the impact of trust goes beyond professional achievement. It’s deeply linked to our psychological well-being.

Trustful relationships can lower stress, anxiety, and depression levels (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology).

So, trust is a big deal. It’s the cornerstone of strong relationships, great teams, and healthy communities. It’s vital in our personal lives and across society.

I’ve compiled an infographic on 12 Ways to Build Trust. Click the image below for a high-res PDF version.

Making It Work for You

Building trust isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s found in the small, everyday actions. Here’s where to start:

1. Listen Well: Pay attention to what others say. It shows you care.

2. Keep Promises: Follow through on your commitments. Every single time.

3. Be Honest: Speak the truth, especially when it’s difficult.

4. Admit Mistakes: Everyone makes them. Acknowledging yours can build trust.

5. Stay Consistent: Be genuine in every situation.

Diving Deeper

If you want to learn more about the topic of trust, here are 3 resources I recommend:

• Book: The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey. It dives deep into how trust influences everything.

• Podcast: Trust and Consequences. It shares real-life stories of trust being built and lost.

• Video: The Anatomy of Trust by Brené Brown. She breaks down what trust really involves.

Connecting the Dots

Trust is like planting a seed. Care for it, and it will grow, enhancing everything from friendships to work. And even how you view yourself.

Remember that Tuesday call I got? It was a wake-up call. It showed me how much trust matters. Every choice we make either builds trust or erodes it.

Until next time, keep building trust, one step at a time.

Justin