What do you do if your professional network doubts your trustworthiness and credibility?

1 Assess Damage

Begin by taking stock of the situation. Reflect on the feedback you've received and try to understand the root causes of the doubts within your network. It's important to be honest with yourself about any mistakes you may have made or areas where you've fallen short. Acknowledging these issues is the first step toward regaining trust. Remember, you can't fix a problem that you haven't fully acknowledged, so take the time to thoroughly assess the damage before moving forward.

2 Open Dialogue

Communication is key in addressing concerns about your trustworthiness. Reach out to your network members and initiate open, transparent conversations about the issues at hand. Listen to their concerns without becoming defensive, and express your commitment to making things right. This step demonstrates that you value their opinions and are willing to work towards rebuilding trust. A genuine dialogue can often help clear up misunderstandings and show that you're taking responsibility for your actions.

5 Offer Value

One way to regain trust is by providing value to your network. Look for opportunities to help others, share valuable insights, or connect people within your network who could benefit from knowing each other. By becoming a resource and supporting others, you show that you're not just focused on your own interests but are also invested in the success of your peers. This generosity can go a long way in repairing damaged relationships.

6 Maintain Consistency

Finally, consistency is essential when rebuilding trust. Continue to engage with your network, keep communication channels open, and maintain your integrity over time. Trust isn't rebuilt overnight, but with consistent effort and a genuine commitment to change, you can slowly regain the credibility you've lost. Stay patient and focused on long-term relationship building, and eventually, your network's confidence in you should be restored.

7 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?