How to Be the Most Trustworthy Person You Know! | Andrew Sykes | TEDxEvanston

Introduction

This tutorial aims to help you become the most trustworthy person you know by implementing the Responsible Promise Habit. Trustworthiness is essential in both personal and professional relationships. By understanding and practicing this habit, you can build stronger connections and enhance your leadership qualities.

Step 1: Understand Integrity vs. Trustworthiness

• Integrity is about keeping promises to yourself and following through on what you say you will do.
• Trustworthiness goes a step further. It involves anticipating what others trust you to do, even if they haven't explicitly communicated it.
• To foster trust, consider the expectations of those around you and strive to meet them proactively.

Step 2: Adopt the Responsible Promise Habit

• Definition: The Responsible Promise Habit is about making commitments that you can realistically keep and delivering on them consistently.
• Action Steps:
  1. Reflect on your current commitments and evaluate their significance.
  2. Start with small promises to build confidence. For example, if you say you’ll call a friend, make sure you do it.
  3. Gradually increase the scale of your promises as you become more reliable.

Step 3: Communicate Effectively

• Importance of Communication: Clear communication lays the foundation for trust.
• Action Steps:
  1. Be transparent about your capabilities and limitations when making promises.
  2. Use active listening to understand others’ expectations fully.
  3. Keep others informed about your progress on commitments to maintain trust.

Step 4: Reflect and Adjust

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess your performance regarding the promises you make.
• Action Steps:
  1. Set aside time weekly to reflect on the promises you’ve made.
  2. Identify any areas where you fell short and think about how to improve.
  3. Adjust your future commitments based on your reflections to avoid overcommitting.

Step 5: Build a Trustworthy Reputation

• Consistency is Key: Trust is built over time through consistent actions.
• Action Steps:
  1. Be reliable in both personal and professional contexts.
  2. Share your experiences of fulfilling promises with others to reinforce your trustworthiness.
  3. Encourage feedback from peers and loved ones about your reliability.

Conclusion

Becoming the most trustworthy person you know involves understanding the difference between integrity and trustworthiness, adopting the Responsible Promise Habit, communicating effectively, and continuously reflecting on your commitments. Start small, be consistent, and gradually build a reputation that others can rely on. By doing so, you will not only enhance your personal relationships but also establish yourself as a credible leader in your professional life.