We currently live in a lowtrust society. Not that we’ve necessarily become less trustworthy, but that is the perception. And, perceptions must be acknowledged before they can be changed.

As a society, how do we create trust? My short answer is “one person at a time.” After all, it only takes one bad apple and a family, organization, company or even entire industry can be affected, often with repercussions difficult to overcome.

And most media (current medium excepted) don’t make money reporting “Man returns lost wallet,” “Supermarket provides food to homeless shelters” or, “CEO keeps her word.” (All of which happen far more often than the opposite.) People tend not to trust too easily. And, that’s okay. For those able to inspire trust, the world is their oyster. They’ll always succeed in business and friendships because they possess the highest form of capital there is; a trusted name. “All things being equal, people will do business with (and be friends with) and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.

Perhaps trust has become the most important of all. As an individual, “How do you create this trust?”
•Be trustworthy
•Communicate your trustworthiness

You are trustworthy by being principle-based. In other words, there are certain absolutes and areas that are immutable. You won’t steal, lie, cheat, break promises, etc.

You treat others with genuine kindness and respect and always ask yourself, “How can I make this person’s life better simply by being a part of it?” You must be perceived as trustworthy and this happens only through communicating this very worthy characteristic.

But, not through what you say; rather by what you consistently do and by what others say you do. Focus on creating trust and see yourself and society benefit as a result.