Now more than ever in this rapid-paced environment, establishing authentic trust is critical for nurturing long-lasting relationships—both business and personal. According to communication expert Lorraine K. Lee, there are a few relatively simple practices that can go a long way toward building trust and loyalty among people. Providing attribution, acknowledging shortcomings, and honoring your promises are all basic tenets of effective engagement. They lay a strong foundation for what could be truly transformative interactions.
As Lee explains, providing credit to other people is an incredibly effective trust-building tactic. For instance, when individuals acknowledge a colleague’s contribution by saying, “Maria suggested this approach,” rather than claiming sole credit with “I decided,” they cultivate an environment of appreciation and respect. This basic gesture increases the likelihood that a person will remain committed to the cause, while deepening the relationship between the two.
Admitting faults can be equally impactful. Renowned investors Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger illustrate that quickly acknowledging mistakes can enhance trust more than maintaining an image of perfection. When people are vulnerable, they allow others to engage with them on a more personal level, often resulting in deeper relationships.
Later in the conversation, Lee emphasized the importance of follow-through, of making sure commitments are kept. Even something as small as “I’ll review this by Tuesday” creates trust. It nurtures trustworthiness in others. When people keep their word, there’s a powerful sense of accountability established, one of the most important building blocks of any relationship.
Additionally, Lee promotes the use of small talk as an invaluable trust-building tool. Casual discussions over drinks prior to a conference or short exchanges in convention center corridors can feel perfunctory. They can be incredible opportunities to build trust. Supercommunicators avoid these ineffective conversations by stopping and taking the time to ask one final question and truly hear the answer. This method doesn’t just improve understanding, it demonstrates a sincere interest in people’s values and concerns, strengthening trust even more.
Taking the time to jot down one detail learned about another person after a meeting or casual encounter is another effective strategy Lee recommends. When you do the work of remembering and utilizing information they’ve shared in previous conversations, you are conveying that their opinions and experiences matter. This practice builds consistency and rapport in your partnership.
Open, transparent communication is key to creating those all-important first impressions. Body language techniques, such as maintaining eye contact and using an open posture, contribute significantly to perceptions of confidence and sincerity. When people engage in honest and passionate communication, they create a sense of trust by making their audience feel confident.
Lee encourages people to skip the lame and insincere small talk. By intentionally stepping beyond surface-level conversation, we can build more authentic relationships. Open-ended questions paired with authentic curiosity about the other person’s perspective can turn 3-minute interactions into moments that build trust and rapport.
Along with these strategies, active listening is still the bedrock of great communication. It builds trust. Listening intently shows you value the person speaking and what they have to say. This practice deepens learning and cultivates a culture in which everyone feels respected and appreciated. Most importantly, it works to build trust, ensuring all voices are welcomed and heard.