Hearing the words “trust me” at work can inspire confidence and hope – or just make you want to roll your eyes.

Why is the phrase so meaningful when one person utters it – and yet utterly meaningless when someone else says it?

Some are just better at building trust than others. As we mentioned in this earlier post, fostering trust requires you to:

• treat employees as equal partners;
• be honest, accountable and solutions-oriented;
• always honor your commitments.

It also takes consistent, effective communication with direct reports, peers and senior management. Which brings us to the point of today’s post: Just what should you say – and avoid saying – to strengthen others’ trust in you?

Language that Destroys Trust

This post on TheLadders.com shares phrases that undermine trust:

“I’m not sure, but…”

(Variations: “only a thought,” “hard to say,” “this might be a silly question, but…”)

While you never want to instill false confidence, phrases like this make you sound as if you have no real grasp on what you’re discussing. If you want to make a compelling case, steer clear of throw-away phrases that convey a false sense of humility.

“Sort of”

(Variation: “kind of”)

This phrase does little more than confuse others, by implying that you either really don’t want to come out and say what you mean, or simply don’t know what you’re saying. Neither instills trust! Don’t unnecessarily soften or muddle your language at work. Be clear, direct and transparent.

“Maybe”

(Variations: “possibly,” “basically,” “potentially”)

Qualifiers like these dilute the impact, clarity and accountability of what you need to communicate. Add any of them to a statement, and you’ll reduce powerful language to wishy-washy nonsense that smacks of indecision.

Language that Builds Trust

Here are a few powerful phrases you should use instead:

• “You can trust me on this.” Don’t be afraid to state the obvious, if it’s true.
• “Yes. Absolutely!” Give a clear, affirmative response when it’s appropriate.
• “I will.” Phrases like this reveal your confidence in your abilities, accountability and willingness to help.
• “Here’s what this means for you…” Others will instantly trust you more when your language demonstrates that you have their best interests at heart.
• “That’s a great suggestion – let’s do it.” Acknowledging someone else’s idea and committing to it shows that you know your own mind – but also value others’ input. Making someone else feel important instantly builds their trust in you.

Build a trusting, high-performance workplace with Exact Staff.

With a full complement of national staffing and placement solutions, Exact Staff provides precisely what your organization needs to increase trust – and fuel performance. To find out how we can strengthen your workplace, schedule a free consultation today.