The True Pace of Building Trust
Trust isn’t built overnight. It’s earned through consistency, communication, and showing up—one step at a time.
Building strong professional relationships is essential, but trust doesn’t magically appear; it takes time and effort.
In fact, Gallup found that 67% of people don’t trust the companies they work with, highlighting how crucial it is to earn that trust.
Think of trust as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about patience, consistency, and communication—even when the finish line feels far off.
Early-Stage Trust Takes Time
In the early stages of a relationship, trust doesn’t happen automatically.
Research from Harvard Business Review shows that it typically takes three to five interactions to start building trust.
So, don’t rush it. Focus on being reliable and genuinely listening to the other person.
Show interest in their goals and needs. Trust will gradually build as you demonstrate that you’re someone they can rely on.
Communication Is Key as Relationships Grow
As relationships evolve, communication becomes even more important.
Trust isn’t just about talking when problems arise—it’s about staying open and transparent all the time.
According to the Institute for Public Relations, transparency is a key driver of trust.
The more consistently you communicate—whether sharing successes or challenges—the stronger your relationship will grow.
Consistency Over Promises
One key lesson I’ve learned is that trust is built through small, consistent actions, not grand promises.
Edelman reports that 81% of people say reliability is crucial to trust.
So, set realistic expectations and deliver on them. Under-promise and over-deliver.
Meeting deadlines and following through on commitments builds trust over time.
Long-Term Commitment Yields Results
The real magic happens with long-term commitment. Trust is a journey, not a quick fix.
Once trust is established, the relationship shifts from transactional to something far more valuable.
Research from Harvard shows that companies with trust-based relationships outperform their competitors by 12 times.
The professional relationships I’ve nurtured over months and even years are now the ones I rely on most.
Trust transforms these connections into genuine partnerships.
The Payoff of Trust
The benefits of trust are clear. Edelman reports that employees who trust their leaders are 50% more likely to be engaged at work.
The same applies to professional relationships. Once trust is solidified, collaboration becomes easier, and results follow.
What was once a slow build now feels rewarding and productive.
The Payoff of Trust
The benefits of trust are clear. Edelman reports that employees who trust their leaders are 50% more likely to be engaged at work.
The same applies to professional relationships. Once trust is solidified, collaboration becomes easier, and results follow.
What was once a slow build now feels rewarding and productive.
So, take your time. Build trust one step at a time and remember: the most valuable professional relationships are those built on a foundation of trust.