Using Singular Moments to Build Trust

It was 8:15 AM when a mom’s phone rang. It was her son, panic in his voice: “Mom, I forgot my assignment at home. It’s due in the first period. Please, can you bring it to school?” She could’ve snapped. → “Why weren’t you more careful?” → “I told you to double-check!” But she didn’t. Ten minutes later, she was at the school gate, assignment in hand. Her son rushed over and everything went well. Her son said, “Thanks for not yelling at me, Mom.” And she just smiled. Because in her mind, she knew this: The moment you help someone through a mess without making them feel small is the moment they start trusting you. That evening, after the panic was over, they sat together and talked about building better habits, packing the bag the night before, making a checklist, owning up to mistakes. She knew the lesson would stick because she stood by him when he needed it. This is the same way senior engineers should handle juniors. You don’t build trust by exploding at the first sign of trouble. You build it by showing up, especially when it’s inconvenient. When a junior messes up, the urge to lecture is real. But support comes first, lessons come after. Because good engineers don’t stay just for the perks. They stay where they feel safe enough to make mistakes and learn. And that’s how you build teams that stick together, at home or at work.

Executive relationships aren’t built in boardrooms — they’re built in small, consistent moments of trust. Having worked closely with CXOs from Fortune 500 companies, I’ve seen firsthand how trust can translate into long-term business impact. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on what I call the PVR framework as my north star for building these relationships: 1️⃣Preparation: Do your homework. Know their story and know it well. That could mean reading their latest post, noting a book they’re working on, or simply being aware of what’s top of mind for them when you walk into a call. Executives can tell within minutes if you’ve come prepared — it sets the tone for respect. Before stepping into a conversation, ask yourself: what’s in it for them? 2️⃣Validation: In psychology, they say “to feel seen is to feel valued.” Show them you’re paying attention. If a recent idea, article, or insight of theirs resonated, bring it up in your next conversation. Not in a forced way, but in an honest, “this stayed with me” way — and here’s my take on it. Authenticity matters. For me, the goal has always been to grow relationships, not “nail” them. That’s the outcome, not the strategy. 3️⃣Recognition: Acknowledge what makes them stand out. Sometimes that’s celebrating a milestone, other times it’s reflecting back the unique perspective they bring. What I’ve found especially meaningful is noticing their unseen efforts; the way they back their teams and quietly create space for others to succeed. Even sharing a positive experience you’ve had with one of their team members goes a long way. It tells them you see the human behind the title and the difference they make every day. In my experience, what stays with leaders isn’t the polished deck or the perfect pitch — it’s the feeling of being seen, heard, and valued. That’s the real foundation of trust. I’d love to hear — what’s worked for you when it comes to building genuine executive trust? 🤝 #executiveengagement #csuite #strategicrelationships

Trust isn’t built with grand gestures. → It’s built in quiet moments. → One honest word at a time. Most leaders think they need bold moves to earn loyalty. But that’s not how trust works. I’ve spent years studying how leaders build real relationships. Here’s what I’ve learned: The right words, said honestly, can change any conversation. 🔑Here are 15 simple phrases that build trust fast (and why they work): “I appreciate your perspective on this.” ↳ People want to feel seen. ↳ This tells them they matter. “Help me understand…” ↳ Curiosity invites connection. ↳ No judgment. Just listening. “I made a mistake - and here’s what I learned.” ↳ Vulnerability builds respect. ↳ People trust real, not perfect. “What would success look like for you?” ↳ Shows you care about their goals. ↳ Not just your agenda. “I noticed the impact you made when…” ↳ Specific praise hits deeper. ↳ It’s fuel for motivation. “What do you think we should do?” ↳ People back what they help build. ↳ It sparks ownership. “Let me clarify to make sure I understood…” ↳ Listening is an underrated superpower. ↳ This shows you’re actually doing it. “Thank you for bringing this up.” ↳ Appreciation = safety. ↳ It keeps the door open. “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” ↳ Honesty beats confidence theater. ↳ People can smell fake. “What support do you need from me?” ↳ Leading also means serving. ↳ This opens space for trust. “Your time is valuable - let’s focus on priorities.” ↳ Respecting time builds loyalty. ↳ Everyone feels overbooked. “Here’s what I’m excited about…” ↳ Energy is contagious. ↳ Share yours to lift others. “I trust your judgment on this.” ↳ Trust given is often returned. ↳ It empowers action. “Let’s explore the challenges you’re seeing.” ↳ It’s you with them, not above them. “I’m committed to finding a way forward together.” ↳ Commitment is louder than certainty. 👉 Words don’t cost much. But they mean everything. Which phrase will you use this week? Drop it in the comments ⬇️ — ♻️ Repost to share with someone working on building trust. 🔖 Follow Véronique Barrot or more like this. -- 📌 📌 📌2 years ago, my profile stood empty. No followers. Now 100, 000+ people follow what I share here. I’ve spent 100s of hours studying what works (and doesn't). Get the LinkedIn Visibility Playbook - Free. Send me a DM "LinkedIn Visibility", and I’ll send it to you right away!

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

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.

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗥 For 15 years, I believed great surgery was enough. I was wrong. The patients who trusted me most weren't those who saw my technical skills in the OR—they were the ones who knew me as a person before they ever met me. Here are 3 unconventional ways I've built patient trust outside the hospital walls: 𝟭. 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 I used to hide behind medical jargon and institutional websites. I do the opposite, now. Every week, I share one surgical insight in plain English: • How I approach a complex procedure • What patients should really expect during recovery • The questions I wish patients would ask me Example: Instead of posting "Performed total knee arthroplasty with multimodal pain management protocol," I write: "Replaced a knee today using techniques that cut recovery time in half. Here's why you'll be walking the same day and back to your morning walks within weeks, not months." This transparency lets patients see both my expertise and my communication style before they step into my office. The result? Patients arrive already feeling like they know me. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 This strategy transformed my practice more than I imagined. I created three "evergreen" videos (record once, use forever): • Pre-consultation: "Here's what to expect at our first meeting" • Pre-surgical: "Here's what will happen on surgery day" • Post-surgical: "Here's how to optimize your recovery" Each 60-90 seconds long, sent via text to every patient at the right moment. Why this works: • Reduces anxiety by setting clear expectations • Shows I'm thinking about them between appointments • Demonstrates I care about their entire journey, not just the procedure One patient told me: "Doc, getting that video the night before surgery made me feel like you were personally looking out for me." 𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Trust isn't built in exam rooms—it's earned in everyday spaces. I made myself visible in three ways: • Hospital education: Not to promote my practice, but to educate about prevention • Patient talks: Speaking at my practice about our step-by-step experience anyone can understand • Patient reunions: Annual gatherings where past patients can share their stories 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 Technical skill gets you through Fellowship. But trust gets patients through their most vulnerable moments. In today's world, that trust starts building long before patients walk into your office. Great surgeons don't just perform procedures—they build relationships that extend far beyond the OR. I'm learning.

Transformation doesn’t always hinge on big plans. It often hinges on what leaders do in passing. Not in all-hands meetings. Not in 80-slide decks. But in micro-moments: → When a leader casually repeats the “why” of the change It anchors purpose. → When someone’s effort is acknowledged on the spot It builds trust faster than formal awards. → When a manager asks, “What do you need right now?” It resets the emotional tone. → When leaders say, “I don’t have the answer yet” It gives others permission to learn. These small, spontaneous moments of presence, recognition, and curiosity often move transformation forward more than any memo or milestone. They don’t take hours. They take intention. Because culture doesn’t change in all-hands decks. It shifts in the hallway, in check-ins, in how leaders show up when no one’s watching. If you’re leading through transformation—what’s one micro-moment you can offer today? 🔔 Follow Sara Junio for grounded insights on how real change takes root—from the inside out.

Want to build trust fast? Be present. Sounds obvious. Sadly it is very apparent when your in a meeting and the other person is not present. They’re in the room but thinking about the next meeting. Half-listening while prepping the next slide. Nodding but not hearing. I’ve been that person. (Sadly on occasion still am) But years ago, I realized the cost. So I made a rule: When I’m with a partner, I’m with them. Fully. Here my very true story. The biggest meeting of my life was in Redmond. I was running one of that company’s largest partnerships. A packed room to hear my feedback. A lot of people I knew. But one moment stuck with me: The CEO shook my hand before the meeting. Then again after. And both times, he was fully there. No glancing at the door. No distracted pleasantries. Just locked-in attention. That’s what I remembered. Not the details about the outcomes. The presence. I also went back and doubled down on our partnership because I believed they really took our feedback serious and wanted us to thrive as a partner. So when I get asked about a skill that will help you have a competitive edge: When you’re in front of a customer, be present. It’s a gift. How do you show up when it counts?

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.