I Thought I Could Trust You

Trust. It is the foundation of every relationship – personally and professionally. It is not only the measure of the quality of the relationship between individuals, groups, teams, and organizations, it defines how you are perceived by others and how you feel about yourself. The trust you build with others is based on your inherent values, and moral compass.

Think about a time where you faced a situation where trust was broken – either by you, or someone you cared about. What feelings and emotions were present? Were you able to talk through the issues and work it out over time, or was trust a piece of that relationship that could never be recovered? Sometimes we do things that have consequences we cannot take back. Regardless of which side of the trust issue you are on, the most devastating words you can hear or say are, “I thought I could trust you.” And no matter how sorry you are or how much you want to, there is no way to make others trust you again. On the flip side, no matter how much someone else wants to build that trust back with you, sometimes, that trust cannot be regained.

That is why intentionally building trust, cultivating it with care, and maintaining it, are all critical for you as an individual and a leader. Trust is the bedrock that your relationships are built on and what gives you the credibility and ability to solve challenges you will face. Trust also propels you toward many of the successes you experience throughout your life.

So, how trustworthy do you think you are? In what areas do you think you could improve your trustworthiness?

Visit our website and sign-up for our free Trust Self-Assessment and tips on how to turn your lens inward and get honest with yourself about behaviors and actions that are building or eroding trust around you.