Bootcamp 2: Apply and Reflect – Developing Trust

APPLY: Trust Building Challenge

Objective: Apply Trust Equation principles to strengthen an actual professional relationship over a two-week period.

Part A: Trust Relationship Assessment (Week 1)

1. Select a Professional Relationship: Choose one colleague, supervisor, or team member with whom you want to build stronger trust.
2. Trust Equation Analysis: Rate your current standing (1-5 scale) in each area
   • Credibility: How much does this person view you as competent and knowledgeable?
   • Reliability: How consistently do you follow through on commitments to this person?
   • Intimacy: How safe does this person feel being vulnerable or bringing problems to you?
   • Self-Orientation: How much do your interactions focus on mutual benefit vs. your personal agenda?
3. Gap Identification: Which element is your biggest opportunity for improvement?

Part B: Strategic Action Plan (Week 1)
Based on your gap analysis, design specific behaviors for the next two weeks:

If Credibility is your gap:

• Share relevant expertise or insights that could help their work
• Research and provide valuable resources related to their current challenges
• Admit knowledge gaps followed by commitment to learn

If Reliability is your gap:

• Make and keep three small commitments before making larger ones
• Communicate proactively about potential delays or issues
• Follow up on previous commitments without being asked

If Intimacy is your gap:

• Ask genuine questions about their perspective on work challenges
• Share an appropriate professional struggle you’re navigating
• Create space for them to voice concerns without judgment

If Self-Orientation is your gap:

• Focus conversations on their goals and success, not your own
• Offer help or resources without expecting anything in return
• Credit their contributions publicly

Part C: Implementation and Reflection (Week 2)

1. Daily Implementation: Execute your planned behaviors consistently for one week.
2. Mid-week Check: After 3-4 interactions, reflect on:
   • How is the person responding differently?
   • What’s working better than expected?
   • What needs adjustment?
3. Vulnerability Practice: Find one appropriate opportunity to demonstrate productive vulnerability (admit a knowledge gap, acknowledge a mistake, or ask for help).

Bootcamp 2 - DevelopingTrust L6