5 Subtle Ways You Might Be Wrecking Trust (Without Realizing It)
We talk a lot about how to build great relationships, but what about the ways we unintentionally wreck them?
Trust is the foundation of every strong relationship, but here’s the hard truth on how it's lost: it’s not just lost through big, obvious mistakes. More often, it slips away in small, seemingly harmless ways that we don’t even notice—until it’s too late.
So let’s get real about the five not-so-obvious ways you might be breaking trust with people who could have been your best clients, biggest advocates, or most loyal connections.
1. Overpromising (Even with Good Intentions)
Saying “I’ll send that right over” and then forgetting? Telling a client you’ll follow up by Friday and pushing it to Monday? Even small, unkept promises create micro-fractures in trust. Under-promise and over-deliver instead.
2. Being Transactional Without Meaning To
Ever reach out to someone only when you need something? If your interactions are all about business and never about the person, people notice. True relationships aren’t built on transactions—they’re built on connection.
3. Ghosting When There’s Nothing to Gain
It’s easy to engage with clients, referral partners, and prospects when they need you. But what about when there’s nothing in it for you? If you disappear until the next sales cycle, you’re signaling that the relationship is conditional.
4. Not Listening as Well as You Think You Do
Nodding along in conversations isn’t listening. Remembering details, following up, and showing you care is. If someone tells you their kid is heading off to college, ask how the move went. Those small moments build trust faster than any sales pitch ever could.
5. Being “Too Busy” for Real Connection
Trust erodes when people feel like they’re always a second thought. If you’re constantly rescheduling, answering half-heartedly, or showing up distracted, you’re unintentionally sending the message that they’re not a priority.
Here’s the good news: You can rebuild trust just as easily as you break it—by being intentional.
Take a moment today to reflect: Am I unknowingly doing any of these? If so, a small shift can make all the difference.
Because strong, trust-filled relationships don’t just happen. They’re built daily.
