{"id":15087,"date":"2021-06-25T12:45:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-25T17:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mindvalley.com\/blog\/"},"modified":"2025-07-22T01:37:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T06:37:04","slug":"building-trust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindvalley.com\/coach\/blog\/building-trust\/","title":{"rendered":"Building trust in your relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"

As human beings, we are naturally built to create connection. Being a part of a tribe and developing a sense of belonging have been key factors for our survival and for the evolution of our species.<\/p>\n

As we create our relationships, there is one key factor that ensures that these relationships are nurtured so they can grow and evolve through time. And that key factor is\u00a0building trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why is building trust important?<\/h2>\n

When we are building trust with someone, we are able to feel safe around them physically, emotionally, and psychologically.<\/p>\n

This trust lowers our barriers and allows us to create a genuine connection with the person. It allows us to be vulnerable and open and to be able to share what is coming up for us in life.<\/p>\n

Only when you really trust someone is when communication can flow freely. That is when you can tackle any challenges, become open to exploring possibilities, and think more creatively. This is all because you are interacting with a person in whom you have confidence.<\/p>\n

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Trust is the glue of life. It\u2019s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It\u2019s the foundational principle that holds all relationships. \u2014 Stephen Covey<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In a\u00a0coaching relationship<\/a>, if you are not building trust, there is no way for your client to be open. If your client does not feel safe to share, no matter how much you want to help, transformation will not be possible.<\/p>\n

You cannot invest your energy in guarding yourself from someone you don\u2019t trust and also building a life you really want.<\/p>\n

John Gottman shares<\/a>\u00a0that, in addition to being important in marriages and other intimate relationships, building trust is essential to what makes human communities of all kinds work. In other words,\u00a0without trust there can be no meaningful connection between people.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In order to create transformation in your clients\u2019 lives, you need to be able to dig deep into the way they see their world. This will happen when they trust you.<\/p>\n

How does trust show up?<\/h2>\n

When someone trusts you, their engagement and energy levels go up, they feel seen and heard, and they are committed to moving forward with your support.<\/p>\n

They will also learn to trust themselves, which is huge.<\/p>\n

This builds self-accountability, fuels motivation, and incites action. All of which are indispensable factors in your client\u2019s long-term journey.<\/p>\n

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Trust is like a marble jar. For every moment of trust earned, one marble goes in the jar. You only share the important stories with friends who have filled up their marble jars. \u00a0\u2014 Bren\u00e9 Brown<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Bren\u00e9 Brown emphasizes the importance of breaking down the concept of trust into specific qualities and behaviors so that it can be more easily understood. She uses an acronym called\u00a0BRAVING<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The seven elements of building trust<\/h2>\n

B \u2013 Boundaries<\/strong><\/p>\n

You respect my boundaries, and when you\u2019re not clear about what\u2019s okay and not okay, you ask. You\u2019re willing to say no.<\/p>\n

R \u2013 Reliability<\/strong><\/p>\n

You do what you say you\u2019ll do.<\/p>\n

A \u2013 Accountability<\/strong><\/p>\n

You own your mistakes, apologize, and make amends.<\/p>\n

V \u2013 Vault<\/strong><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t share information or experiences that are not yours to share. I can feel safe being open and vulnerable with you.<\/p>\n

I \u2013 Integrity<\/strong><\/p>\n

You choose courage over comfort. You choose what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy. And you choose to practice your values rather than simply professing them.<\/p>\n

N \u2013 Non-judgment<\/strong><\/p>\n

I can ask for what I need, and you can ask for what you need. We can talk about how we feel, without judgment.<\/p>\n

G \u2013 Generosity<\/strong><\/p>\n

You extend the most generous interpretation possible to the intentions, words, and actions of others.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

How building trust works in a coaching relationship<\/h2>\n

Now that you understand the importance of building trust and its seven elements, let\u2019s dig deeper into how to build trust using the BRAVING acronym.<\/p>\n

B \u2013 Boundaries<\/h4>\n

Make sure you are very clear on\u00a0what your boundaries are<\/a> and then communicate them clearly to the other person.<\/p>\n

In a coaching relationship, when each party understands and respects the other\u2019s boundaries, it gives a sense of ease and allows the relationship to flow freely.<\/p>\n

In the first session, it\u2019s very important that you explain what the coaching relationship will look like and cover the boundaries and agreements. This will increase your client\u2019s trust in you and the process.<\/p>\n

You have to be very clear on what your non-negotiables are, both for you and your client:<\/p>\n