7 Factors That Build Trust
Happy Labor Day! Hopefully you have the day off today and plan to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. Today I wanted to share another nifty little tidbit from Brene Brown for you to ponder: it’s the acronym BRAVING.
BRAVING represents 7 key factors that build trust in relationships. (You can find more on this in her book, Braving The Wilderness.)
Here’s a brief explanation of BRAVING:
Boundaries: You respect others’ boundaries and when not clear, you ask
Reliability: You’re aware of your limits, you make reasonable commitments and follow through
Accountability: You own your mistakes, apologize and make amends
Vault: You don’t share sensitive information without permission
Integrity: You choose what is right over what is fun, fast or easy
Non-Judgement: You allow yourself and others to be open and honest without criticism or harshness
Generosity: You extend the most generous interpretation possible of others’ intentions, words, and actions
In her research, Brene Brown noted that these 7 factors are present in relationships that report a high level of trust. Which of these is an opportunity for growth for you?
For me it’s Generosity. I can be so quick to assume a very negative story when words or actions from others rub me the wrong way. I’m quick to demonize people and go to court with them in my mind, playing out fantasy scenarios where I really give them a piece of my mind. I’ve had to come to grips with the fact that I do this and that changing it is a choice and a practice.
The choice is acknowledging that it’s my responsibility to work on my defaults. The practice is daily being mindful of this tendency and forming a new skill set of responses.
When we grow in our BRAVING skills, we become more trustworthy people. Pick one of the factors above and commit to working on it this week.
Happy to be in your corner,
Tom Page, LCPC
Want to receive Transformation Tips directly to your email?
Subscribe below!
