Step 1 — Transparency: Quell the amygdala by
talking about the threats and fears that are standing in the
way of building trust. Be open and communicate with
others to share and quell threats. Open, candid and caring
conversations send messages of trust.
Step 2 — Relationship: Extend the olive branch,
even with people you see as foes. Connect and engage in
building relationships. Extending trust sends messages of
friendship that shift the energy toward appreciation.
Step 3 — Understanding: Invite people into the
inner circle. Talk openly about needs and aspirations.
Reframe and relabel uncomfortable conversations as
opportunities to get to know what’s on each other’s minds.
This moves us from states of distrust of others’ intentions
toward understanding and trusting each other.
Step 4 — Shared Success: Have conversations that
focus on mutual success. Lower your attachment to being
right, and shift the conversation from entrenchment to discovery.
Weave deeper threads of trust into the relationship.
Step 5 — Testing Assumptions and Telling the
Truth: Test perceptions and assumptions about reality.
Focus on closing the gaps between what you expect and
what you get with others. Step into each other’s shoes,
and see the world from the other person’s perspectives
— the highest level of trust that