Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, but oddly enough, most of us don’t think about it until it’s been broken. By that time, it may be too late to gain it back. Trust doesn’t “just happen” through some sort of magical relationship osmosis. It’s built and sustained through the use of very specific behaviors. Whether you’re a leader, coach, teacher, parent, or friend, the skill of building trust is critical to the success of your relationships.
In his newest book, Trust Works! Four Keys to Building Lasting Relationships, Ken Blanchard and his co-authors Cynthia Olmstead and Martha Lawrence, share the four elements of trust that are critical to any healthy and lasting relationship. The four elements of trust are illustrated by the ABCD Trust Model™. You build trust when you are:
Able – Demonstrate Competence. People show they are able when they have the expertise needed for their job, role, or position. They consistently achieve results and are effective problem solvers and decision makers. Demonstrating competence inspires others to have confidence and trust in you.
Believable – Act with Integrity. Trustworthy people are honest with others. They behave in a manner consistent with their stated values, treat people fairly, and behave ethically. “Walking the talk” is essential in building trust in relationships.
Connected – Care About Others. Being connected means focusing on people, having good communication skills, and recognizing the contributions of others. Caring about others builds trust because people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Dependable – Maintain Reliability. Dependable people follow through on their commitments. They respond timely to requests and hold themselves and others accountable. Not doing what you say you will do quickly erodes trust with others.
Ken Blanchard tells you all about the book in the following video.
I love that Connection is included in these four key elements of trust and agree that it must include an element of caring to be more than a superficial connection. I remind all my small business clients that “Before you can sell, you have to connect,” and now I will remind them that the desired outcome of genuine connection is Trust. I look forward to reading this book.
Elizabeth – Connection is so critical in any relationship, and when if you don’t have it when trying to build trust, the relationship seems sterile and lifeless. I’m glad you found the article helpful.
Take care,
Randy
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PS – Ken you are looking good – outright thin – congratulations – I know you have worked hard at it over the years
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