How do you build trust with your mentees or coaches?

1 Be clear about your expectations

One of the first steps to building trust is to establish clear and realistic expectations for your mentoring or coaching relationship. What are your goals, roles, and responsibilities? How often and how will you communicate and meet? What are the boundaries and confidentiality rules? How will you measure progress and success? By clarifying these aspects upfront, you can avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and disappointments later on. You can also use a written agreement or contract to document your expectations and commitments.

2 Show genuine interest and respect

Another way to build trust is to show genuine interest and respect for your mentee or coach. This means listening actively, asking open-ended questions, acknowledging their strengths and achievements, and expressing appreciation and gratitude. It also means respecting their opinions, preferences, and learning styles, and avoiding judgment, criticism, or assumptions. By showing interest and respect, you can demonstrate that you care about them as a person, not just as a mentee or coach.

5 Address issues and concerns promptly

Trust can be easily damaged or lost if issues and concerns are not addressed promptly and effectively. You can build trust by being proactive and transparent in dealing with any problems or conflicts that may arise in your mentoring or coaching relationship. This means communicating clearly and respectfully, listening to their perspective, acknowledging their feelings, and working together to find solutions. You can also use feedback as a tool to improve your relationship, not to blame or criticize. By addressing issues and concerns promptly, you can prevent them from escalating and harming your trust.

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?