Trust is one of the most important building blocks of a relationship. Whether it’s a friendship, a romantic relationship, or a business relationship, trust allows all parties involved to feel at ease and safe with one another.
Trust allows us to share our genuine selves with others, without fear of being judged or mistreated. It also enables us to depend on one another and put confidence in our relationship.
Trust is earned. When entering into a new relationship, we usually do so with a certain degree of guardedness. We don’t immediately share our innermost thoughts and feelings, and we don’t allow ourselves to be vulnerable until the other person in the relationship has made us feel safe enough to do so.
There are several steps to building a solid foundation of trust with someone. First, it is crucial to always be honest, even when the truth isn’t pretty. By always telling the truth, others will view you as a trustworthy person because they don’t have to worry about you deceiving them.
Being reliable is also extremely important when building trust. By doing what you say you’re going to do, others learn that they can depend on you and accept what you say as the truth. If you continue to cancel plans or break promises, it will be hard for anyone to trust you to be consistent and keep your word.
Trust within your relationships with your coaching clients is just as important as it is in your personal relationships. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) identifies establishing trust and intimacy with the client as one of their core competencies. Likewise, number one on the list of coaching masteries by the International Association of Coaching (IAC) is establishing and maintaining a relationship of trust.
When a client comes to you for coaching, they are not only looking for help with the direction of their lives and achieving their goals, they are also looking for someone they can trust and open up to without fear or hesitation. The best coaches get to know their clients on an intimate level, learning both their fears and failures, as well as their dreams for the future. Therefore, it is your responsibility to handle that information properly and develop a deep sense of trust and safety with each of your clients.
For even though Psalm 118:8 says “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man,” by following your purpose to be a coach, you are acting on behalf of God. You are using the gifts He has blessed you with to coach and help others. And by using your gifts faithfully, honestly, and with trust and decency, you not only help your clients, but honor God as well.
How do you establish trust in your coaching relationships? When does building trust in coaching relationship begin? How do you know when your client trusts you?
