How Do You Get People to Trust You?

I recently had a job interview with US. Bank and one of the questions asked during the interview was "How do you get people to trust you"? I didn't have a snappy answer, not a good thing during a job interview I guess but my answer was, "I've never HAD to get someone to trust me, all my life I've just been trusted". The question has intrigued me ever since. Why do you trust one person and not another. Trust is one of the most important issues in business, never more so than now. Trust should be a major factor in business transactions, whether banking, or human resources, or putting your time and money into a new venture.

My Grandfather was a man who was trusted, my Father was always trusted both personally and professionally, I have been told frequently during my careers that I was trusted, and my children are continuing in the same manner. Why? I think a major factor is we were honest. Not the "does this dress make my rear end look big" kind of honesty, but more of the basic 'handshake' type of honesty. Integrity cannot be faked. Integrity is keeping your word, it's doing the right thing, and even in these confusing times we all know how to do the right thing. It's presenting our ideas clearly and without double talk. It's making sure the other person knows all the facts, not just the pretty ones. It's respect, not only just for others but respect for ourselves.

Trust is a complex issue and maybe my answer is too simplistic....or maybe not. Take a minute to think about who you trust in your life, both personally and professionally, and why. Trust should be the cornerstone for business. What can you do to make it so?

On a personal business note, if you're looking for someone who is honest, trustworthy, loyal, professional, and of course housebroken, I'm still available on the job market.

Thanks for listening,
Lindy