6 Little Ways To Make Everyone In Your Life Trust You

How to easily gain anyone's trust.

By Moira Hutchison
Last updated on Mar 25, 2024

Photo: ilonakozhevnikova | Canva

Whether you've taken on a new profession like teaching, become a parent for the first time, or been promoted to the head of your company, earning the trust of others you influence is a crucial part of effective communication and your life. You're at the stage where you have to gain the trust of others so your actions are effective. If this is the first time you've been in this position, you may have concerns about whether or not you have what it takes to inspire others to trust you. The good news is that you probably do. You probably already have innate skills to inspire trust.

Here are 6 little ways to make everyone in your life trust you:

1. Be a good listener

Being able to listen to the thoughts and concerns of others is a sure way to gain their trust. When people feel like you are genuinely listening to what they're saying, they develop closeness to you and they feel comfortable in your presence. That translates to trust, and you'll find that your opinion is highly regarded going forward.

2. Give positive feedback and reinforcement

People naturally trust others who give positive feedback on their actions. If you want your family, friends, and subordinates at work to trust you, it's important to let them hear positive feedback from you. You can also motivate others by providing positive reinforcement. Ensure your positive feedback is sincere. If it’s not sincere, they will perceive that and your efforts to inspire trust will backfire. Find something good to say that you do, indeed, believe is true.

3. Be honest in your expressions

Honesty goes a long way in helping you to earn the trust of others. Although people won't always agree with what you've said, they'll likely respect the fact that you're honest and straightforward. They will also feel comfortable being honest with you.

4. Show genuine concern for someone's well-being

When you show someone you're genuinely concerned about their well-being, they'll instantly feel close to you and will want to come to you for help or advice. And, they'll very likely trust the advice you give them because they feel you have their best interest at heart.

5. Live in kindness

When you’re kind, you’re almost always able to gain the trust of others. There’s a common notion that someone who displays kindness deserves trust because they can naturally give from the heart. Note, however, that kindness that is not genuine is often viewed negatively and can result in others being wary of you.

6. Uphold morals and principles

As someone who upholds morals and principles, you're probably trusted by most around you without even knowing it! When you live according to set principles, others look upon you with high regard. For you, earning trust is probably as easy as being yourself. While there are some elements that you'll want to acquire to earn trust, you're likely naturally born with most of them. Use the behaviors and attitudes your conscience dictates, and you'll easily earn the trust of others.