What do you do if your colleagues and clients struggle to trust you?

It's essential to take proactive steps to rebuild and strengthen those relationships. Start by reflecting on your actions and behavior to identify any potential reasons for the lack of trust. Actively listen to the concerns and feedback of your colleagues and clients, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Communicate openly and transparently, addressing any misunderstandings or issues directly. Follow through on your commitments and deliver on promises consistently to show reliability and integrity. Build rapport by seeking opportunities to collaborate and add value to projects or initiatives.

Trust is always earned. You cannot command it. Take a mindful pause ask yourself, what makes me feel that they don't trust me? Write down instances for real. Many times our mind cooks up stories,above answer will help in differentiating, the drama vs reality. Take a step back re-assess that situation, without judgement or bias. As a result of this mindful reflection, if you find that there is some part of the situation that you could have dealt with better, own it. Walk up to your stakeholders and discuss it, make it a psychologically safe space. While you will lean in to show trust in them, they will be bound to listen and understand you. This will be the first step, go along and walk the journey from there on.

Rebuilding trust with colleagues and clients requires self-reflection, open communication, consistency, transparency, commitments, building rapport, demonstrating competence, seeking feedback, and being patient. By addressing these issues, you can build stronger, more positive relationships and demonstrate your trustworthiness. By addressing concerns, demonstrating competence, and following through on commitments, you can foster trust and build stronger relationships in the long run.

Self-awareness is key in situations like these. It is so easy to place blame on others and say they're being too sensitive, or to feel like you shouldn't have to change yourself for others. You may even fall into the trap of saying "Well, that's just the way I am." None of these examples demonstrate a growth mindset. If you constantly feel like there's a wall between clients and colleagues, or if they outright tell you they don't trust you (and you've heard this a few times already), it may be time to look inward and see where you could also be contributing to this situation. It can be hard, but try not to judge yourself too harshly. You are human too! As long as you are open to learning and improving, that vulnerability goes a long way!

This step is so important! The article is pretty straight-forward, but I will also add that the way in which you say things is equally as important. You may be emotionally intelligent enough to know how to communicate objectively, but it won't really work if you have a defensive or accusatory tone. Put your Ego aside, and make sure you're actively listening to what's being said by the other party. Equally as important is picking up on the body language of others as well. This nonverbal communication is powerful, and also be mindful of whether or not you may be showing defensiveness with your body (crossed arms, frown on your face, avoiding eye contact, etc.)

Empathy is unfortunately something that many people lack. It is one of the simplest ways to demonstrate to others that we truly HEAR them, and can understand what they're going through. In our society, the first thoughts we jump to are ones of blame and judgement. When we take the time to consider other possible reasons as to why someone might feel the way they do (and to be so self-aware and consider that we may have a part in it as well), that brings down the unseen wall between you and your team/client. In a world that can be so cruel sometimes, choose to be kind!