Actions that don't scale but build trust

Trust doesn't come from your accomplishments. It comes from quiet moves like these: For years I thought I needed more experience, achievements, and wins to earn trust. But real trust isn't built through credentials. It's earned in small moments, consistent choices, and subtle behaviors that others notice - even when you think they don't. Here are 15 quiet moves that instantly build trust 👇🏼 1. You close open loops, catching details others miss ↳ Send 3-bullet wrap-ups after meetings. Reliability builds. 2. You name tension before it gets worse ↳ Name what you sense: "The energy feels different today" 3. You speak softly in tense moments ↳ Lower your tone slightly when making key points. Watch others lean in. 4. You stay calm when others panic, leading with stillness ↳ Take three slow breaths before responding. Let your calm spread. 5. You make space for quiet voices ↳ Ask "What perspective haven't we heard yet?", then wait. 6. You remember and reference what others share ↳ Keep a Key Details note for each relationship in your phone. 7. You replace "but" with "and" to keep doors open ↳ Practice "I hear you, and here's what's possible" 8. You show up early with presence and intention ↳ Close laptop, turn phone face down 2 minutes before others arrive. 9. You speak up for absent team members ↳ Start with "X made an important point about this last week" 10. You turn complaints into possibility ↳ Replace "That won't work" with "Let's experiment with..." 11. You build in space for what really matters ↳ Block 10 min buffers between meetings. Others will follow. 12. You keep small promises to build trust bit by bit ↳ Keep a "promises made" note in your phone. Track follow-through. 13. You protect everyone's time, not just your own ↳ End every meeting 5 minutes early. Set the standard. 14. You ask questions before jumping to fixes ↳ Lead with "What have you tried so far?" before suggesting solutions. 15. You share credit for wins and own responsibility for misses ↳ Use "we" for successes, "I" for challenges. Watch trust grow. Your presence speaks louder than your resume. Trust is earned in these quiet moments. Which move will you practice first? Share below 👇🏼 -- ♻️ Repost to help your network build authentic trust without the struggle 🔔 Follow me Dr. Carolyn Frost for more strategies on leading with quiet impact

If you want to build trust in HR Start remembering what no one told you to She never followed up Never brought it up again Just mentioned, once, that her child was going into surgery next week Thirty days passed Then I sent a one-line message “Hey, how’s your little one doing?” She responded like I handed her $1,000 And then said… “I didn’t think anyone would remember” Here’s the thing Trust isn’t built in the policy doc Or the onboarding deck Or the culture manifesto It’s built when people feel seen without having to wave their hands It’s built when you clock the passing comment, and circle back later It’s built when remembering becomes part of your leadership hygiene That kind of HR doesn’t scale But it compounds No AI. No workflow. No CRM. Just attention Real attention is a retention strategy Most companies are starving for it :) #LeadershipThatListens #HRRealTalk #QuietRetention #ThisIsHR #UnscalableMoves

People often ask me for quick ways to build trust on a team. I have a dozen solid go-to moves, but one stands out because it’s dead simple and nearly always works. You’ve probably heard of the “connection before content” idea—starting meetings with a personal check-in to warm up the room. But let’s be honest: questions like “What’s your favorite color?” or “What five things would you bring on a deserted island?” don’t build trust. They just waste time. If you want a real trust-builder, here’s the question I use: “𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄?” That’s it. One question. And here’s why it works: 𝟭. It creates vulnerability without forcing it. You can’t answer this question without being a little real. And when someone’s real with you, it’s hard not to trust them more. You see the human behind the role. 𝟮. It unlocks practical support. Once I hear your challenge, I can picture how to help. I feel drawn to back you up. That’s the foundation of real partnership at work. 𝟯. It increases mutual understanding. Sometimes we feel disconnected from teammates because we don’t know what they actually do all day. When someone shares a challenge, it opens a window into their work and the complexity they’re navigating. If you’re short on time, allergic to fluff, and want something that actually bonds your team—this is your move. Ten minutes, and you’ll feel the shift."

I once worked with a team that was, quite frankly, toxic. The same two team members routinely derailed meeting agendas. Eye-rolling was a primary form of communication. Side conversations overtook the official discussion. Most members had disengaged, emotionally checking out while physically present. Trust was nonexistent. This wasn't just unpleasant—it was preventing meaningful work from happening. The transformation began with a deceptively simple intervention: establishing clear community agreements. Not generic "respect each other" platitudes, but specific behavioral norms with concrete descriptions of what they looked like in practice. The team agreed to norms like "Listen to understand," "Speak your truth without blame or judgment," and "Be unattached to outcome." For each norm, we articulated exactly what it looked like in action, providing language and behaviors everyone could recognize. More importantly, we implemented structures to uphold these agreements. A "process observer" role was established, rotating among team members, with the explicit responsibility to name when norms were being upheld or broken during meetings. Initially, this felt awkward. When the process observer first said, "I notice we're interrupting each other, which doesn't align with our agreement to listen fully," the room went silent. But within weeks, team members began to self-regulate, sometimes even catching themselves mid-sentence. Trust didn't build overnight. It grew through consistent small actions that demonstrated reliability and integrity—keeping commitments, following through on tasks, acknowledging mistakes. Meeting time was protected and focused on meaningful work rather than administrative tasks that could be handled via email. The team began to practice active listening techniques, learning to paraphrase each other's ideas before responding. This simple practice dramatically shifted the quality of conversation. One team member later told me, "For the first time, I felt like people were actually trying to understand my perspective rather than waiting for their turn to speak." Six months later, the transformation was remarkable. The same team that once couldn't agree on a meeting agenda was collaboratively designing innovative approaches to their work. Conflicts still emerged, but they were about ideas rather than personalities, and they led to better solutions rather than deeper divisions. The lesson was clear: trust doesn't simply happen through team-building exercises or shared experiences. It must be intentionally cultivated through concrete practices, consistently upheld, and regularly reflected upon. Share one trust-building practice that's worked well in your team experience. P.S. If you’re a leader, I recommend checking out my free challenge: The Resilient Leader: 28 Days to Thrive in Uncertainty  https://lnkd.in/gxBnKQ8n

5 Microstory Examples That Build Trust in Less Than 3 Minutes You don’t need long-form essays to earn trust. Most people don’t even read past the second paragraph. That’s why I use microstories: short, emotional, and specific moments that reveal who you are in under 3 minutes. Here are 5 types of microstories you can use to build trust—fast: 1. The Moment You Changed Your Mind → Trust is built when people see growth, not perfection.
Example:
“I used to think discounts were the fastest way to win customers.
 Then a client told me, ‘Your advice changed my business I would’ve paid 3x for that.’
I stopped undervaluing my work that day.” 🟢 Why it works: Shows humility + transformation. 2. The Vulnerable First Step → People don’t trust you because you’re an expert. They trust you because you’ve been where they are.
 Example:
“My first client didn’t even know I was charging them. I just wanted to help.
Looking back, that eagerness came from insecurity. But it taught me the value of service over selling.” 🟢 Why it works: Relatability + authenticity. 3. The Customer's Tipping Point → Tell the before, the doubt, and the aha.
 Example:
She told me, "I’ve tried every course. Why would yours be different?" Five days into the Microstory Journey, she replied:
 "You’re the first person who made me feel like this was possible.’” 🟢 Why it works: Builds belief through someone else’s lens. 4. The Internal Battle → Trust deepens when we share what we wrestled with.
 Example:
“I almost scrapped my launch.
 Not because it wasn’t ready, but because I wasn’t.
 Fear doesn’t disappear. But it loses power when you move anyway." 🟢 Why it works: Reveals the messy middle we all live in. 5. The Unlikely Lesson → Share wisdom from everyday, even odd, places.
 Example:
“My 4-year-old asked, "Why do you work so much if you don’t like it?"
I didn’t have an answer. That night, I mapped out the first version of the business I run today.” 🟢 Why it works: Surprising source + deep emotional truth. Bottom line?
 People don’t trust credentials.
 They trust moments.
 Moments that reveal your values, struggles, and growth. That’s why I built the Microstory Journey... a 5-day experience that turns tiny stories into big trust. 👉 Which of these 5 are you using right now? ♻️ Share if this shifted your marketing mindset 🔔 Follow Mike Hays for more strategic growth insights

The gap between managers and leaders? It's not skills. It's trust. And trust isn't built through the big moments. It's built in small moments, every single day. During a challenging project, my team was struggling. I almost missed the signs. But it was a simple "How are you really doing?" in a 1:1 that revealed critical insights that ultimately led to changes that improved not just this person's experience, but helped me resolve the bigger issue. That moment taught me: leadership happens in these small moments. Here are 10 microhabits that transform managers into leaders: 1. Say the Small Thank You → Notice efforts others miss. Express genuine appreciation daily. 2. Be Present, Not Just Available → Put the phone down. Make eye contact. Give full attention. 3. Own Mistakes Early → Take responsibility first. Set the tone for accountability. 4. Ask the Uncomfortable Question → Lead with curiosity, not control. Ask the right questions. 5. Check In, Not Just On → "How are you really doing?" Then listen deeply. 6. Normalize Feedback Loops → Make feedback a gift, not a weapon. Keep it flowing both ways. 7. Highlight Quiet Contributions → Celebrate behind-the-scenes wins publicly. 8. Keep Small Promises →  Integrity shows up in the details. 9. Guard the Team's Focus → Shield your people from chaos and unnecessary noise. 10. Model Calm in Chaos → Pause. Think. Then move forward with clarity. The best part? None of these requires a title. But you need to be intentional. Every day. 💡 Because great leaders aren't defined by their power, but by the trust they build. ♻️ Share this to help other leaders build trust through small actions ➕ Follow me, Melody Olson, for leadership & career insights.

Leadership trust isn’t about words. It’s about  what you do when no one’s watching… Most think trust is about being liked. It’s not. It’s about consistency. In 25+ years I have worked with 100s of leaders. And one insight stands out. Leadership trust is not built in big moments. It is built in small, repeatable actions. Here’s how: 1/ Micro-Promises Multiply ↳ Promise what seems too small. ↳ Deliver it 24 hours early. 2/ Expensive Truth Rule ↳ Share bad news first, in person. ↳ Say: “Here’s what I’m doing about it.” 3/ Power Hours ↳ Block 2-4 PM for crisis-only access. ↳ Protect focus time. Say "not now." 4/ Silent Defense ↳ Never defend yourself in meetings. ↳ Defend your team when they’re absent. 5/ Predictable Power ↳ Set auto-replies with exact response times. ↳ Beat your own deadlines by 10 minutes. 6/ Inverse Spotlight ↳ Take blame before facts are known. ↳ Praise moments, not just results. 7/ Crisis Capital ↳ Show up first when things break. ↳ Stay last until stability returns. → → Swipe to learn more see why these work When trust breaks? Don’t explain. Demonstrate. Act first. Apologize later. What will you add to this list? 👇 ↓ Save this for your next new leaders training ♻ Repost to help other leaders develop trust ➕ Follow Adi Agrawal for more leadership insights

Not more funnels. No more DMs. You need more trust. If you’re a coach, freelancer, or founder trying to attract dream clients… this is the part nobody tells you: --> People don’t buy offers. --> People buy trust. Your next client is already watching. They’re reading your posts. They’re asking themselves: “Do I feel seen? Do I feel understood?” If the answer is yes—you’re halfway there. Trust has already done the selling. But if your content sounds like everyone else’s? Your dream client scrolls right past. 🙃 Here’s how to start building trust today: ✅ Speak their language Use the exact words they use to describe their struggles. Reflect their reality. ✅ Share specific stories Stories stick. Show them you’ve been there—your journey is your credibility. ✅ Offer micro-wins Don’t just inspire—equip. Teach something useful that creates a tiny result fast. This is what I shared at the eChai Ventures Mumbai event on personal branding. It resonated deeply—because it’s real. It works. People don’t follow the loudest voice. They follow the one they trust the most. So next time you post, ask: “Will my dream client feel like I get them?” That’s how content becomes client-magnetic. — How are YOU building trust? Let me know in the comment section.

I’ll never forget something a CEO taught me early in my career. He would stop by my desk regularly. No agenda. No formalities. At first, it felt routine. But over time, I began to see the pattern. Just a simple, “How’s it going?” At the time, it seemed insignificant – a polite hello. But now, I see it for what it was: a trust-building moment. His casual approach made it easier for me to open up, share my concerns, and speak honestly. It wasn’t about the words.  It was about the intention behind them. Trust doesn’t just happen. It’s built with consistency, action, and a lot of listening. As a leader today, I do my best to do the same. If your team isn’t approaching you, here’s what may help: - Be present.  ↳ When someone comes to you, put everything else aside and truly listen. - Avoid shutting them down.  ↳ The first “no” can be the last time they trust you with their ideas. - Go to them.  ↳ Don’t wait for trust to walk through your door, go and build it where they are. Here’s something not many will tell you: If your team isn’t coming to you, it’s not on them. It’s on you. So go to them. Because trust isn’t a gift – it’s a responsibility.

Unshakeable trust isn't built in grand gestures. It's in the 5-second moments leaders can miss.👇 At the movies last night, I was contemplating the underlying reasons for employee turnover. After leading teams for 25+ years, I believe trust is foundational to them all. Here are the micro-moments that matter most: 1/ The Crisis Interruption ↳ When someone's struggling, drop everything ↳ Quick check-in > Long HR meeting later ↳ "I saw your face in that meeting. Want to talk?" 2/ The Vulnerability Window ↳ Share your mistakes within 24 hours ↳ Focus on lessons learned ↳ "I mishandled that. Here's what I learned..." 3/ The Public Credit Switch ↳ When praised, immediately redirect to your team ↳ Name specific contributors ↳ "Actually, [name] solved that problem with an insight I hadn't considered..." 4/ The Silent Support Moment ↳ Notice personal struggles without being asked ↳ Offer specific, practical help ↳ "I'll cover your presentation today. Take care of your family." Trust compounds daily. Small moments create lasting bonds. Choose one micro-moment to practice today. Which one will you start with? ♻️ Repost to help others build real trust 🔔 Follow me (Nadeem) for more like this.