Using Blanchard's ABCD Model of Trust

Welcome to Mind Tools' Video Learning Series.

Trust is an essential part of all of our relationships, and it's especially important in teams.

With trust, collaboration, innovation and creativity can flourish within your team, helping you to achieve far more than you ever could alone.

In this video, we look at Blanchard's ABCD Model of Trust, which highlights four behaviors that foster it.

A stands for Able. When you're "able," you demonstrate competence. You work to a high standard, and you use your initiative to solve problems and to help others.

Achieving consistent results and improving your skills will help you to build trust in this area, as will sharing your knowledge and expertise with others.

B is for Believable. Believable people have integrity. They're ready to admit when they're wrong, and they don't gossip, spread rumors, or undermine others behind their backs.

Be honest with your colleagues. If you make a mistake, admit it, and learn from your failures, as well as your successes.

It's also important to keep your word. For example, if someone tells you something in confidence, respect their wishes.

C is for Connected. Connected people show empathy and work towards developing meaningful relationships.

Listen carefully to others. If they feel that you're genuinely interested in what they're saying, your connection will be much deeper.

Recognize other people's good work. Praise makes everyone feel good and is a great way to earn trust.

And show others that you trust them by sharing information about yourself. This will help people to get to know you better and will make them more willing to open up about themselves.

Finally, D stands for Dependable. In other words, keep your promises.

Be organized, accountable and consistent in your work and in your words.

Be punctual, too. Lateness shows a lack of consideration and can undermine any trust you've already developed.

Respond to messages promptly. This will show others that you're on top of your work. Keep in mind this doesn't mean saying "yes" to every request. So, be honest about what you can and can't take on.

By making an effort to bring these four qualities into your relationships, you'll inspire others to behave more honorably and show that you are someone they can trust.

If you want to learn more about Blanchard's ABCD Model, see the article that accompanies this video.