Trust is the difference between a leader and a manager. It is the difference between being a “teller” and an “influencer.” Trust is the most powerful bridge that leaders have to connect them with those they lead. Trust is unique because it takes many efforts, both small and large to slowly build, while it can be destroyed by the most fickle of matters. Establishing unbreakable trust is paramount in today’s world where people are searching for leadership. Trust IS the key that opens the door. In my leadership experience I always envisioned my level of trust with every individual I partnered with as a piggy bank. In every encounter or opportunity I had that visualization helped keep me focused on am I making trust deposits in their piggy bank? Some I would realize were empty, while others had more “money” in them. My responsibility as a leader and friend is to keep those piggy banks as full as possible. Here are five simple ideas I used that can assist you in building your “trust accounts” with those around you: Don’t be a message mixer: I think we have all received an email like this: “Hey Stacy, how was your trip? Also, have you been able to complete the agenda for the meeting?” You see, here’s why that is a wasted opportunity to develop some trust. It appears to the reader that asking about the trip was simply an opening to the REAL question about the meeting. By simply, sending two separate emails, the reader will feel your true intentions that you just want to know about their trip. Remember special days: I don’t know of a bigger contrast in how we view someone else’s birthday versus our own. Our “special day” makes us feel amazing. We want to feel important! Well, everyone else feels the same way you do, so making a note to wish others a happy birthday goes a loooong way. Other days you can remember that mean so much to others is the day they joined your group, an anniversary, or any other day that has significance to them. Write a note of appreciation for no other reason: When was the last time you received a note saying that someone appreciated you? Exactly. Imagine the feelings of significance, value, and affirmation you would feel. Writing a simple note takes no longer than three minutes. Personally, it was one of the easiest yet most powerful tools I used to differentiate myself and build trust. Follow up on what you said you would do: There’s a very easy way to destroy trust: don’t do what you said you would do. This is challenging because many times we say things so quickly and in the heat of the moment, and then we forget. Yes, you had the best of intentions, but people judge us based on our actions, not our intentions. The best remedy? EVERY time you commit to doing something, make a note, and follow through. Put yourself under the bus and save your group member: It’s painful, but the trust you build when you take responsibility is enormous. Take the “heat” whenever you can for your group members or associates. Then, in private, coach them on how they could more effectively handle the situation next time. Because at the end of the day, the leader IS responsible for the activity and behavior of those they lead. Live in “it” with them: People want to know you have their best interest in mind. Living in hard times or challenging situations with people is one of the deepest ways to develop trust. Plus, going through difficulties with others provides empathy, and empathy is a necessity for successful leadership. Living in “it” with someone might look like first hearing out their situation. Then, setting up a game plan, and helping them stay accountable to their chosen course. Take off your “leadership” hat for once: As a leader you have many people looking up to you. They respect your “go get ‘em” attitude, your perseverance, and your resilience. There comes a time though, when certain people or circumstances will be served best with us putting our “go, go, go” aside, and just listening to or offering whatever is needed. Leadership does require us to wear many hats. Be aware of the best hat to wear. It could be the difference between an unbreakable bridge or a torn heart. Give way more praise than you think: Psychologists say that over 75% of the messages we receive are negative or limiting in some way. So, what’s an easy and impactful way to build trust? Give people specific, sincere praise as often as you can. I find it amazing how many times a day I will think something positive about someone and I won’t share it. Remember: silent praise doesn’t help anyone! Plus, the more praise you offer the easier it is to accept construction criticism, because that individual has heard both from you. Communicate your “humanness”: Let people know you are human. A fallacy of leadership is that you have to be perfect, in reality, people you lead just want to know you are like them. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Everyone else knows you aren’t perfect, so don’t expect yourself to be either. Laugh at your mistakes. Announce your weaknesses because we all have them. The recipe for trust is where others are made aware of your weaknesses and then see you taking steps to improve them. THAT is leadership! Go the way! There’s not many faster deflating trust activities than a leader who is not willing to do what they are requiring of others. A way to ensure you do not fall guilty to this leadership crime, is to ive by this easy phrase, “Know the way, show the way, go the way!” If you live by that, you will not stop until you have actually taken the same action you are asking of others.