High-Achieving Women's Blogazine

Last week I was in San Diego at a Lisa Sasevich’s event.  I found myself in several conversations with other attendees that focused on making money and building that ‘know, like and trust’ factor.

As I was browsing through some recent emails, I remembered reading this quote by L. Ron Hubbard regarding being trustworthy.

He stated: “Trustworthiness is a highly esteemed commodity. When one has it, one is considered valuable. When one has lost it, one may be considered worthless.”

I have found that getting others to trust you takes work and sometimes it can take a lot of hard work. In a recent article, Hubbard identified 7 Keys to Become More Trustworthy which are defined below:

Key #1. Keep all of your promises.

For example, if you are a furniture maker and promise to deliver a new desk on Friday, make sure you show up with the desk on Friday. If it becomes necessary, you work day and night to build the desk.

Here’s another example: you agreed to drive your boss to the airport in the morning. That morning, you get ready and have plenty of time to pick up your boss; however your car won’t start.

Instead of calling your boss with the problem, you make it right by borrowing a car, renting a car or hiring a taxi. You pick up your boss, as promised.

Key #2. Keep your big promises as well as your small promises.

For example, attorney Jeb promises to write a contract that will keep you out of a lawsuit. He says he’ll call you in the morning to discuss it. However, Jeb forgets to call for two days. You then wonder, if he can’t keep his word about calling, maybe he can’t keep his word about writing a good contract.

Key #3. Be careful what you promise. Give accurate statements.

For example, you know you can write three reports tonight, and maybe two others, as well. Do not say: “I will write five reports tonight.” Instead say, “I will get three reports done and I plan to write two more, as well.”

Before you sign any written agreement, read it carefully to ensure you can do what it says. For example: “Before I sign this, I want to change paragraph 12 to give me an extra week, just in case I have a problem with the file transfer or other matters.”

Key #4. If you realize you will not be able to keep your word, no matter how hard you try, tells the person immediately.

Here a good example: “Shelly, I said I’d take you to dinner tomorrow night, but I may have to cancel.” “Boss, you wanted the wall painted by Sunday, but I need an extension until next Wednesday.” “If you can give me one more day to fix your car, I’ll take off 5% for the delay.”

Key #5. If you lose your trust with someone, do not avoid the issue. Restore your reputation by doing all you can to earn back the person’s trust.

For example, you agree to pay Jill $1000 on Monday. You forgot until Tuesday and realized you do not have the $1000. Instead of avoiding Jill, you call her and say: “Jill, I am so very sorry I didn’t pay you on Monday. I should have called you.

I will have the money on Friday. I hope that by paying you on Friday, I’ll regain your trust.” Of course, you then do whatever it takes to pay her on Friday.

Key #6. If you have destroyed your reputation by breaking your word and not being trustworthy, make up the damage.

For example, “Fred, I know I have let you down. I agreed to fix your computer last month and I did not. I didn’t call and I truly regret what I did. I would like to fix your computer for free, if you’ll let me.”

What about this example, “Martha, I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I didn’t return your truck on time or with gas in it. Even worse, it was dirty. How can I make it up to you? Will you let me wash it and fill it with gas this afternoon? I’d also like to replace the burnt bulb in the tail light, okay?”

Key #7. If someone has lost your trust, help him/her earn it back.

Here’s a great example: “You want me to hire you again after what happened last time? To be honest, I can’t trust you, but I am willing to reconsider. You must take class and achieve a score of 100% by the end of the month.  Then I will hire you on a temporary basis for one week. If you fail me one more time, I’ll never reconsider hiring you again. I’m willing to help you succeed, but only if you are trustworthy.”

To succeed in career, business or life, you must gain a reputation as someone who can be trusted. If you had to choose just one of the 7 Keys to Become Most Trustworthy, which one would you choose.  Be sure to leave a comment below. 

© 2011 Dr. Laureen Wishom

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