Trustworthiness is one of the key components in making connections and building relationships. I grew up understanding that trusting your elders and superiors were signs of respect and manners. We are taught that trust must be earned. Trust is not “wanted” but “needed” to interact in the workplace and in our personal lives. But are we truly being trusted? Bottom line, in personal or in business, trust is applicable in all aspects of our lives.

For instance, when two people are attracted to each other, how do they break barriers? Usually the person who leans in for the first kiss automatically sparks a trustworthiness sense that enables the other person to kiss them back. Sometimes making the first move and delivering with no expectations will allow you to build a significant relationship with another person. In some cases, delivering a favor or a simple gesture may result in you receiving a positive response. In other cases, you may also get taken advantage of, if you are over-delivering.

It isn’t any different in the workplace. You automatically are assigned people you need to work with. When you earn the trust of one person you need to take ownership. It is important to understand that in most cases to build trust, you need to hold them from the hand. You need to show them and tell them that you are there to support them. A simple “I got you” can make a difference, but those three words are insignificant if you do not deliver anything to them. It is critical to interact with others in order to build trustworthiness. In the corporate world over-promising and under delivering is how you become known to be untrustworthy. If you are stuck in a situation where you are unsure of anything it is better to respond with a phrase such as, “that is a good question let me find out and get back to you.” Or “I do not know the answer to your question but let me ask my supervisor and get back to you.” When you admit you don’t know something others will appreciate your honesty. Also making the effort to find the answer will make you trustworthy when delivering answers to them.

In the workplace being trustworthy means, you can be counted on to get the work done. Even if it consists of you doing extra research or giving someone else credit for an idea that is not yours. Think about when you travel, and you get on an airplane. You trust the pilot will get you from point A to point B safely. I will never forget my first time flying as a pilot student with no flying experience. It was an incredible experience that inspired me to pursue my pilot license. However, the terrifying thought that if something happened to the instructor and I would have no idea how to land the airplane was about to stop me from pursuing this dream. In certain situations, we need courage to trust those around us to actively pursue our dreams and desires.

If we don’t trust the people around us; we would not be able to pursue our goals and dreams. All humans need the ability to trust in others in order to succeed in life.