Communication. Each time you speak with someone, it either builds trust or erodes trust.
I heard this from Kevin Walsh, a fellow executive coach who is facilitating the Leadership Academy at the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce. Even as a seasoned executive coach myself, I am participating in this program to honor my value of lifelong learning and growth.
Kevin’s words about communication really struck a chord with me.
It particularly rings true because I coach a lot of senior leaders and their teams. Trust is a foundational component for anybody who considers themselves a leader and has goals that they cannot achieve alone.
Through this definition of who a leader is, we are all leaders.
Whether you are a CEO, an entrepreneur, or a parent running your son’s school’s PTA, regularly asking yourself if your communication is either building or eroding trust can greatly improve your relationships with people.
Ways to build trust:
- Being curious about someone’s idea or perspective, even if it is different from your own
- Being inclusive by seeking input from every team member
- Being vulnerable to honestly share your authentic thoughts and feelings, even when it feels uncomfortable
- Inviting others to share their thoughts and feelings, and taking them into account in decision making
Ways to erode trust:
- Immediately shooting down an idea before being more curious about it
- Making decisions that impact others without seeking input from anybody else
- Holding back your true thoughts and feelings about something or someone, and then creating side conversations about it
- Creating a space where vulnerability is not welcome and not taking people’s feelings into account when making decisions
These lists are not exhaustive by any means, yet I hope it inspires you to be more mindful that what you say and how you say it greatly influences the level of trust you have with the person you are speaking with.
What is possible for you and your relationships if you regularly ask yourself this question before speaking to someone:
Is this going to build trust or erode trust?
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