Competency Strengthens Trust
Cathie Leimbach • July 26, 2022
“People have confidence in those who stay fresh, relevant, and capable,” says David Horsager. When one is seen as competent, others are much more willing to delegate work without micromanaging.
Tony Robbins, who is known for encouraging people to develop their potential – to become their best, emphasizes that being competent isn’t all that matters. Others must view us as competent before they will trust us. It is up to us to demonstrate our competence. He shares several ways that we can demonstrate competence.
- Don’t be modest. Don’t be arrogant either. However, it is important to speak up about your strengths, volunteer for opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
- Have an opinion. When a colleague asks for you ideas, share them. Never say that you don’t have anything valuable to say, that they should consult others instead of you, or that you don’t care about the matter at hand.
- Ask for advice. When you show that you aren’t a know-it-all, you are open to gathering information from others, and you have a collaborative mindset, others will appreciate you more. This increases their willingness to collaborate with you, giving you opportunities to demonstrate your competence.
- Be honest. Tell the truth, even if you think others may not like it. If others ask you to work in area in which you don’t have competence, let them know it is one of your weak areas.
- Demonstrate confidence. When you are competent, show your competence and confidence by speaking clearly, using a positive, assured voice, and displaying strong body language.
When you are competent, take advantage of opportunities to demonstrate it. This will strengthen the trust between you and your colleagues.
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending? 👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.