Building a Foundation of Trust

Five Basic Principles That Lead to Trust

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1 Focus on the Process, Issue, Behavior, or Problem, Not on the Person

During vulnerable moments, criticism can be deflating if it is not properly presented and it can easily strike a blow to self-esteem. Usually, it’s not the criticism per se that does the damage; it’s that the criticism has been made personal.

Suggestions:

  Keep negative feedback objective

  Direct feedback at issue, process, behavior or problem

  Avoid personal judgment

 2 Maintain the Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem of Others

People can be quick to judge themselves when things don’t work out as planned. In such cases, you can help keep the situation objective and emotionally neutral by acknowledging the person’s effort and casting the negative results aside as simply useful feedback for the individual.

Suggestions:

  Frame mistakes in a learning or effort perspective

  Give their intentions the benefit of the doubt

  Share information freely           

  Include their feedback in decision-making        

3  Maintain Constructive Relationships

For the team to function effectively as a team, individual members must be willing to reach out and trust one another.

Suggestions:

  Develop a problem-solving attitude

  Maintain direct communication

  Encourage diversity

 4 Take Initiative to Make Things Better

If each person believes that others are constantly looking for ways to improve and support the team, people will build a belief that members are taking care of one another. Their actions say that they are personally involved.

Suggestions:

  Begin with taking extra steps yourself

  Acknowledge people who take those extra steps towards solutions

  Sometimes an extra step is just being more patient

 5 Lead by Example

If you show by your actions that you’re committed to the team, team members will be motivated to match your commitment.

Suggestions:

  Treat people fairly and with understanding

  Focus on team performance without judging

  Trust by admitting your own mistakes

  Trust others with information and encourage decision-making         

Copyright © 2004 by Arbor Family Counseling Associates