“The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.”
Henry L Stimson
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines trustworthiness as being worthy of confidence, and being dependable. It can also be described as being reliable, responsible, safe, secure, and steady.
Trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities in life. It is the quality on which all relationships are built. We are designed to be in relationship with others, and being able to TRUST each other means that we can do more together.
How can WE be people who are trustworthy?
1. Be honest
Telling the truth is HARD. It can feel awkward, or embarrassing. Emotions can run high when your truthfulness is in question. But strong character develops in an environment when it’s safe to be honest. One of the ways to care about others, is to be honest with them. And one of the ways to show that you are a leader, is to always tell the truth, no matter how difficult it might be.
2. Play by the rules
When we are in school, or playing sports, or even spending time with our families, there are rules and guidelines. These are in place to give structure to how we behave, how we interact with each other, and we treat one another. You might have a rule at home that you only speak in a calm voice…the rule isn’t there to control you, it’s there to help you care about other people. When you are trustworthy, and play by the rules, you show others that you are dependable.
3. Have the courage to do the right thing
Leadership is about making choices. We make choices everyday about how we act, about how we treat each other, about the things we say, and about how we respond. Being courageous to do the right thing, even when it would be easier to do the wrong thing, or to even do NOTHING, is evidence of a good leader. How can you demonstrate courage?
4. Build a good reputation
If being trustworthy means being worthy of the confidence of others, then we do well to build up our reputation as someone who can be counted on. When other people know that you always tell the truth, that you are someone who plays by the rules, and that you are brave enough to do the right thing, then other people will put their trust in you. They will give you more responsibility, and they will begin to count on you.
Leaders are people who are trustworthy. They do what they say they will do, they care for others in word and in what you do. Trustworthy people are people you can put your confidence in. At Moorelands Kids’ programs we teach kids the importance of trustworthiness as we know it’s a key to success.
How are you demonstrating trustworthiness in your own life?