How can you build trust with other thought leaders when collaborating on a problem?

1 Be authentic

One of the most important aspects of trust is authenticity. You need to be yourself and show your genuine interest, passion, and expertise in the topic. Don't try to impress or intimidate others with jargon, credentials, or name-dropping. Instead, share your insights, opinions, and stories in a humble and honest way. Be open to feedback and criticism, and acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.

3 Be collaborative

A third essential component of trust is collaboration. You need to work with other thought leaders as partners, not as competitors or adversaries. Don't try to impose your agenda or push your own agenda. Instead, seek to understand the problem, the goals, and the expectations of the group. Align your vision and objectives with the common purpose, and offer your support and assistance. Share your resources, ideas, and feedback generously, and invite others to do the same.

4 Be reliable

A fourth crucial factor of trust is reliability. You need to follow through on your commitments and responsibilities, and deliver on your promises. Don't make excuses or blame others for your failures or delays. Instead, communicate clearly and regularly about your progress, challenges, and expectations. Be transparent and accountable for your actions and results. Demonstrate your professionalism and competence, and show that you care about the quality and outcome of the work.

5 Be adaptive

A fifth vital ingredient of trust is adaptability. You need to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs, demands, and opportunities of the situation. Don't resist or reject new information, ideas, or feedback. Instead, embrace learning and innovation, and experiment with different approaches and solutions. Be willing to adjust your plans, strategies, and assumptions based on the evidence and feedback. Show your curiosity and creativity, and welcome challenges and surprises.

Trust is not something that you can build overnight, but it is something that you can cultivate over time with consistent and intentional actions. By being authentic, respectful, collaborative, reliable, and adaptive, you can establish trust with other thought leaders and create a positive and productive environment for solving problems and achieving goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?