The number one trust builder everyone takes for granted

Building trust is deceivingly simple.

Do what you say you’ll do.

With your colleagues, with your boss, with your direct reports. With your spouse, with your kids, with your friends.

If you commit to something, do it.

If you can’t commit to something, say no. Saying yes when you mean no or maybe is where most of us get into trouble.

If you can commit to something, but need more time, say, “I can commit to doing this. And I’ll need X days, weeks, months to do it.”

If shit happens (and we all know it does), let whoever you made the commitment to know you’ll be late ASAP. But don’t let it become a pattern.

If you need help managing your to-do list, ask someone to help you get a system that works for you in place.

There’s no excuse for not doing what you say you will.