We have all heard that trust is the foundation of relationships and would most likely all agree on that statement as well. However, as I have coached many people, I have come to find a hidden crack in this foundation. It is not uncommon to quickly realize a disconnect between what is perceived and what is actually happening. Most people overestimate how much trust they truly have from the people around them. This oversight often creates the hidden cracks in the foundation of their influence, as I mentioned earlier. 

Like a crack in your house’s foundation can eventually cause major problems as you build up, so our relational foundation can limit our influence if not solidified correctly. If the foundation is weak, the upper levels will not be adequate and stable. You’ll never be able to influence others to greatness if there is no trust to hold it all together. And trust me, I see many people trying to walk blindly, thinking the foundation of trust is intact, when in fact, it isn’t. In a recent study, Tolero Solutions found that 45% percent of people said lack of trust in leadership was the biggest issue impacting their work performance. Statistically speaking, this data shows that nearly half of a team feels a lack of trust is affecting their ability to move forward. This statistic can also be connected to most relationships outside the workforce. 

In Stephen M.R. Covey’s book, The Speed of Trust, he wrote this, “The first job of a leader—at work or at home—is to inspire trust. It’s to bring out the best in people by entrusting them with meaningful stewardships, and to create an environment in which high-trust interaction inspires creativity and possibility.” 

Trust is huge, and we must put effort into developing it with others. Remember, you build an immense amount of trust by simply being a trustworthy person. It must start with you and work its way out into your relationships. When you are a trustworthy person, in every way, others will begin to see that authenticity in you and trust will be built. But you also must build trust with others by making sure your walk aligns with your talk. You have to do what you say you’ll do and follow through with your commitments.

Building trust seems simple but can prove to be hard at times. The more trust you build, the more influence you’ll have with others!