Honest Communication | 30 Tips to Build Trust

Honest Communications

When my daughter attended Montessori they had a plaque in the room that said: Be Kind.

So simple, yet so powerful.

Kindness is the basis for all relationships in the home and the workplace. Building long-term, mutual healthy connections relies on a few humble premises. Look at the people around you, past and present: do they resonate with your core values? What is their track record? Have they always been honest and forthright? Any red flags?  Have you ever questioned their intentions or honesty?

I believe fundamental honesty is the keystone of business. Harvey S. Firestone

Communication styles vary from person to person, but honesty and truth should always take precedence, no matter your position, status, or relationship (business or personal). What we say and do is explicitly related to the measure of trust we have with others and they have in us. How you interact with someone is a reflection of your character and integrity. If you opt to forgo this most common sense trait, then you forfeit your reputation and connections.

Building credibility and trust requires authenticity, consideration, integrity, and intent. It is to be earned, not assumed. Reputations can be instantly destroyed, sales lost, partnerships dissolved.  There is nothing more important than building trust; in your business, in your life.

Strengthening Relationships
  1. Engage in frequent honest communications
  2. Express gratitude
  3. Be well intentioned
  4. Demonstrate sincere interest
  5. Be present in the moment
  6. Actions speak louder than words
  7. Make sure your actions/decisions backup your words
  8. Say what you mean and mean what you say
  9. Transparency is key
  10. Listen and hear the other party
  11. Practice best behaviors
  12. Do what is right for the situation
  13. Always know the facts, don’t assume anything
  14. Never make presumptions about someone else’s decisions
  15. Don’t gossip and create unnecessary drama
  16. Keep your commitments
  17. Value and respect another’s time and voice
  18. Show compassion
  19. If you don’t know something, say so
  20. Relationships do NOT succeed on a need to know basis
  21. Ask yourself why you tend to omit information
  22. Re-examine yourself before you cast stones
  23. Clarity and understanding sets the stage – don’t close the curtains
  24. Vulnerability is a strength
  25. Spin your life from the heart, not for gain
  26. It isn’t all about you
  27. Act don’t react
  28. Be open to positive change
  29. If you want trust, be trustworthy
  30. Ask for feedback

What you get in your life is not a result of what you want, it is a result of Who You Are. ~ Marlon Smith