Trust is your secret weapon for growth
There’s a reason trust matters so much to all of us—it’s the invisible force that makes relationships last, that keeps us going when things get hard. Think about it: trust isn’t built in the big moments, but in all those small, everyday things that tell us, “I’m here, I’ve got you.” It’s the friend who picks up the phone, the partner who shows up when it’s inconvenient, the person who keeps their word even when no one’s watching.
When it comes to movements and organizations, trust works the same way. It’s the foundation that allows people to commit, to invest their energy, their time, their resources—even when the road ahead looks uncertain. But too often, leaders forget this essential truth, focusing on plans and strategies while leaving trust to chance. Here’s the reality: without trust, even the best-laid plans crumble. With it, you have the power to build something that endures, that grows, that becomes unstoppable.
Why Trust is Essential
Trust isn’t just nice to have; it’s what makes people feel safe enough to take risks with you. If people don’t believe in you, if they don’t see a real, solid connection between their values and your actions, they aren’t going to stand with you when things get tough. They might support you in the easy times, but they’ll walk away the moment challenges arise. Think about it like this: in the closest relationships of your life, when things fall apart, it’s trust that holds people together. It’s no different when you’re trying to rally people around a mission.
Building Trust in Your Movement
Building trust in your movement is no small feat—it’s something earned slowly, almost imperceptibly, through consistent action. Think of it as a series of daily decisions that, together, build an unshakeable foundation. In movements that truly change the world, people aren’t just following a leader; they’re following someone they believe in, someone who has shown them time and time again that their commitment is more than lip service. Here’s how to make trust the bedrock of your movement and inspire that deep, unbreakable investment from your supporters.
1. Consistency: Show Up Every Single Time
Trust isn’t built in a single grand gesture; it’s built through consistency. Just like in any close relationship, people need to know they can count on you, not just in moments of crisis but in the everyday. Are you showing up at community meetings when no one’s watching? Are you following through on promises, even if it’s inconvenient or unnoticed? Consistency in action proves to your supporters that you’re in it for the long haul, not just when the cameras are rolling.
Practical Tip: Establish a regular rhythm of communication and stick to it. Whether it’s a weekly newsletter, monthly update, or quarterly check-in, be present and reliable. Even if there’s no major news, keep the connection alive by sharing insights, challenges, and small victories. Showing up, even with small updates, reminds people that the movement is active and that they’re part of something ongoing.
2. Transparency: Let People See Behind the Curtain
Transparency is a powerful trust-builder, but it’s also one of the hardest to commit to. People want to know what’s happening behind the scenes—the good, the bad, and the messy. Being transparent about your successes, but also about your struggles, shows your supporters that you’re willing to share the full picture. It tells them you’re not hiding the uncomfortable truths or glossing over the challenges. And this honesty is what makes people feel they’re with you in something real.
Practical Tip: Don’t shy away from sharing challenges or setbacks in your updates. For example, if you’re facing a budget shortfall, talk about it openly. Explain what led to it, what you’re doing to address it, and how supporters can help. This honesty not only builds trust but often mobilizes support when people realize they’re needed.
3. Accountability: Own Up to Mistakes and Course-Correct
Mistakes are inevitable, but how you handle them is what counts. Accountability means stepping up when things go wrong, taking responsibility, and being transparent about the path to fix it. Leaders who can admit fault and course-correct strengthen trust because they show integrity. No one expects perfection, but people do expect honesty and the courage to acknowledge when things haven’t gone as planned.
Practical Tip: Create a culture of accountability by publicly acknowledging mistakes and outlining steps for improvement. For instance, if a recent initiative didn’t go as expected, share an honest post-mortem with your supporters. Explain what was learned, what will be done differently, and invite feedback. Accountability turns a misstep into an opportunity to strengthen your movement’s foundation.
4. Inclusivity: Create a Seat at the Table for Everyone
Trust grows when people feel valued and included. Movements thrive when supporters know they have a say, that their voices matter. Inclusivity in decision-making not only strengthens trust but also brings new ideas and perspectives. This could mean inviting supporters to weigh in on new campaigns, gathering feedback on initiatives, or simply creating spaces where diverse perspectives are heard and respected.
Practical Tip: Start with small, inclusive actions. Host open forums or virtual town halls where your supporters can ask questions, share insights, and provide feedback. Listen to what they have to say and, when possible, incorporate their feedback into your plans. When people feel included, they’re more likely to invest in your movement’s success.
5. Purpose-Driven Communication: Make Every Message Count
Every piece of communication is an opportunity to build trust. People want to feel that their time, energy, and support matter, so your messages should always connect back to the movement’s purpose. Remind your supporters why they’re involved, show the impact of their contributions, and let them see the tangible progress being made. Purpose-driven communication keeps people connected to the mission and reminds them of the larger vision.
Practical Tip: When you are communicating with your supporters, always connect back to the core purpose. Don’t just update them on activities—help them see how each action ties directly to the impact you’re all working toward. If you’re fundraising, show how every dollar contributes to specific goals. If you’re running events, explain how each gathering builds momentum for the mission. Purpose-driven communication turns every message into a reminder of the bigger picture and lets your supporters see the role they’re playing in making it a reality.
Practical Tip: Frame each communication around the “why.” Start by summarizing the larger mission and follow up with specific actions or stories that show progress. For example, “Our goal is to reduce homelessness in our city by 50% in five years. Here’s how your recent support has brought us closer…” This approach reinforces the purpose and shows the impact, building confidence and loyalty.
6. Empathy and Listening: Be Willing to Learn and Adapt
Trust deepens when people feel genuinely heard and understood. Your supporters come from diverse backgrounds, and their perspectives can bring valuable insights to the table. Empathy means not just listening to feedback, but taking it seriously and adapting based on what you hear. This openness shows that you’re not only committed to your vision but also to making it stronger and more inclusive.
Practical Tip: Regularly invite feedback through surveys, Q&A sessions, or even direct outreach. If someone voices a concern, acknowledge it and take action where possible. Showing empathy in action—listening, learning, and adapting—demonstrates that your movement values every voice.
Trust is Built Through Vulnerability
Here’s the hard part: building trust means allowing yourself to be vulnerable. It means being open with people about the struggles, the obstacles, and the mistakes along the way. Just like in a relationship, trust deepens when people see that you’re not trying to hide who you are. When you let people in, when you’re real with them, they feel like they’re part of the journey. They’re not just watching from the sidelines—they’re in it with you. And that’s powerful.
Prioritize Open Dialogue: Integrate transparency as a key part of your leadership style. This means regularly sharing the “why” behind big decisions, not just the “what.” When your supporters understand the context, challenges, and risks you’re facing, they’re more likely to feel invested in your vision, seeing themselves as essential allies rather than passive donors or volunteers.
Show the Human Side of Leadership: Make a habit of acknowledging the difficulties and missteps as part of your journey. Rather than waiting for a crisis to admit challenges, normalize these discussions at every stage. This creates a narrative of resilience and growth, making people more inclined to trust and support you even when things don’t go perfectly.
Commit to a Culture of Listening and Responding: Trust grows when people feel their input matters. Create channels that allow supporters, partners, and community members to offer feedback and insights on your work. When they see their voices reflected in your decisions, it sends a message that their perspective is valued, reinforcing the idea that this is a shared journey.
Embrace Accountability at Every Level: Vulnerability isn’t only about revealing challenges; it’s about addressing mistakes with integrity. Develop a culture where accountability is celebrated, showing that ownership and course-correction are viewed as strengths. When people see leaders who can openly adjust their course, it builds respect and a deeper trust in the mission and those driving it forward.
Why Trust Matters Right Now
If you’re serious about creating change, about leading a movement that transforms lives, then you can’t afford to skip over the work of building trust. Trust is the currency that fuels growth, that keeps people connected to your vision even when times get tough. Right now, people are looking for something to believe in, something they can stand behind. Your movement could be that thing, but it’s on you to build the trust that will carry it forward.
Take the First Step
If you’re ready to create real, lasting trust with the people who matter to your mission, reach out. Together, we can build the kind of messaging and strategy that makes people not only believe in your vision but trust that you’ll lead them there. Let’s make sure your movement has the foundation it needs to grow into something unstoppable.
Ready to build a movement grounded in trust and authenticity? Let’s connect. Together, we’ll shape the messaging and strategy that not only pulls people in but keeps them deeply invested in your vision. Reach out for a conversation, sign up for the newsletter, or schedule a Fit Call, and let’s make your leadership the force people can’t ignore. The world is waiting for you—let’s make sure they see, feel, and believe in what you’re building.
