4 Things That People Need Before They Trust You
- Thomas Koehl
- May 20
- 2 min read
Let’s be honest: most of us think we’re pretty trustworthy. We keep our promises, know our stuff, and make a decent effort to be there for others. But trust isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling or a mutual handshake, it’s a simple set of rules.
Trust is built (or broken) based on four key ingredients: credibility, reliability, authenticity, and one stumbling block which your own Self Interest. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why a connection didn’t quite click, this framework might just shine a light.
1. Credibility: Can I believe what you say?
Your words, your expertise, and how confidently (yet authentically) you communicate them. It’s the subtle art of showing you know your stuff, without making everyone else feel like they don’t.
2. Reliability: Will you actually do what you say?
Think of this as your follow through game. Are you on time? Do you meet deadlines? Do you call when you say you will? Reliability builds the kind of trust that grows brick by brick, steady, predictable.
3. Authenticity: Can I be real with you?
This one’s a little less tangible but a whole lot more powerful. It’s about emotional safety, being the kind of person others feel they can open up to. You’re seen as empathetic, discreet, and human. Not a vault of steel, but a safe harbor in a storm.
4. Self Interest: Who are you really here for?
This is the trust killer. If others sense you’re more concerned with your own image, gain, or control, all the credibility, reliability, and authenticity in the world won’t save you. When self interest takes the wheel, trust gets shoved in the trunk.
Here's the twist:
Even one unchecked moment of self interest can quietly undo months of trust building. You may look the part, say the right things, and be there on time but if people feel you're in it for yourself? Game over.
Drop your thoughts in the comments, this isn’t just theory; it’s how real business relationships thrive (or fail).
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