Trust Must Be Earned​

How do you know if someone truly trusts you—or if they’re just tolerating you?

Trust requires effort. Some leaders, managers, or brands think they can simply demand it. It must be earned, step by step, through consistent actions, integrity, and respect. And, at the same time, many leaders operate under the false assumption that their title alone grants them trust.

At VisiVera, we emphasize that trust is both emotional and rational. People trust others when they feel safe, valued, and heard—and they also trust when they see proof of reliability and competence over time.

Earning Trust as a Leader

Earning trust means:

  • Following through on commitments. Do what you say you will, every time.

  • Being transparent, even when the truth is difficult. Leaders who acknowledge uncertainty and admit when they encourage others to come up with better answers gain credibility.

  • Listening before acting. People trust those who make them feel heard.

  • Demonstrating competence and care. It is more than being good at your job—you must also show that you care about those you lead.

For leaders, earning trust is an ongoing process. It’s built moment by moment, and it can be lost in an instant. Those who understand this will have stronger teams, better decision-making, and a competitive advantage in any industry.

Trust is one of the most valuable assets a leader can build—and it’s also one of the easiest to lose. What steps are you taking to actively earn the trust of those around you?

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Insights from the November 2024 Harris Poll and Actionable Strategies for Leaders 

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Trust Can Be Measured