Be Trustworthy

35 - Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness is a quality involving gaining the confidence of others by demonstrating reliability. It takes time and consistency to earn the trust of another and to be considered trustworthy. Continually complete all tasks to the best of your ability and anticipate the concerns of others. Keep confidences that you bound yourself to and always speak the truth. When your actions are steady and repeatable, you create a bond and a belief that you have earned a position of trust with another.

Characteristics of Trustworthiness:

• Dependability.  Fulfilling commitments even in the face of difficulty builds trust. A reliable person is worthy of one’s trust. This is consistent with true and steady action. You can be counted on to do what you say you will do. You show up on time and stay until the project is completed. You are available and accessible to others when needed. People can rely on you to perform excellently, no matter the context.
• Honesty.  There must be complete honesty in order to develop a sense of trustworthiness. It cannot exist without the truth. Be in the habit of telling the truth and never being deceitful or evasive. It is important to be honest even when no one is looking. Make it a habit and ensure all your actions line up truthfully, no matter how small or insignificant they appear.
• Transparency.  Being clear in your content and intentions prevents any chance of misinterpretation. When you are unambiguous, there is distinct clarity leaving no room for uncertainty. Being transparent is a necessary quality for you to be considered trustworthy. Everything is exposed with no concerns of unexpected revelation.
• Sincerity.  Heartfelt sincerity is a genuine characteristic, revealing your trueness and authentic concern for another person. It is a simple and humble display, free from any intent to deceive or mislead, and it shows honesty and trueness to yourself and others. Being sincere shows you as a trustworthy person, straightforward and authentic.
• Credibility.  Credibility is being believable based on past performance. Through your repetitious and consistent actions, the worthiness of being accepted as true or reasonable has been developed. You are seen as a true and compelling source for a reliable response or outcome.
• Consistency.  Consistency is the key to building trust. All of these characteristics, if performed consistently, aid in the development of being perceived as a trustworthy person. These repetitious acts, such as always being honest, sincere, and credible, create strength in dependability and trust, revealing you to be a person worthy of being trusted.
• Accountability.  You must always be accountable and follow through with your promises and commitments. Take responsibility for your actions. If an outcome is less than desired, and you are at fault, take responsibility and take the steps necessary to redeem yourself and the project with a brilliant new solution. Sometimes things do not go as planned, and however, it is the response that will be memorable. Be accountable for your actions, and do not stop proceeding and achieving until the desired outcome has been reached. Also, be accountable to others involved and take responsibility where appropriate. Being accountable builds trust, integrity, and admiration.
• Loyalty.  Reliability demonstrates a commitment to others. Show allegiance to what you commit to. Where you have pledged a commitment, adhere to it and remain loyal. Be devoted to your business, associates, family, and friends. Be true, honest, and faithful, building trustability by doing so.
• Caring.  When you show concern for the well-being of others, you display compassion and build trustworthiness. You are generous and attentive lovingly showing consideration for their needs. Unselfish acts lend to the building of trust and credibility.
• Patience.  Trust is a virtue that is built over time. It is not an immediate reaction. You must be consistent with your actions during this time and be patient as you work to earn another person's trust. It is a slow-growing yet worthwhile undertaking to be considered trustworthy. Do not rush it. Let it develop and grow as you patiently endure the process of building confidence and trust.

“No virtue is more universally accepted as a test of good character than trustworthiness.” 

Harry Emerson Fosdick

“The glue that holds all relationships together…is trust, and trust is based on integrity.” Brian Tracy

“The process of building trust is an interesting one, but it begins with yourself, with what I call self-trust, and with your own credibility, your own trustworthiness. If you think about it, it’s hard to establish trust with others if you can’t trust yourself.” Stephen Covey

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