Building Trust Through Benevolence: The Power of Genuine Care

April 27, 2025 | Barbara Ann Sharon

Trust isn’t just about honesty or keeping promises—it’s also about showing you actually care. Think about the people you trust the most. Chances are, they’re the ones who have your back, who check in on you, and who make you feel like you matter. That’s the magic of benevolence. When you genuinely care about others, trust naturally follows. Let’s first define benevolence.

Benevolence is the genuine desire to do good for others. It’s about kindness, generosity, and acting in a way that benefits those around you without expecting anything in return. When someone is benevolent, they show concern for others' well-being, offer support, and contribute positively to their relationships and community. In the context of trust, benevolence means proving that you truly care about people’s best interests, which helps build deep and meaningful connections.

So, let’s talk about some simple ways to build trust through kindness and goodwill.

Be Kind, Just Because. 

It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day. A quick “Hey, how are you?” A small favor. A genuine compliment. These little things might seem minor, but they add up over time. People trust those who consistently show they care, even in the smallest ways.

Put Others First When You Can. 

Now, I’m not saying you should ignore your own needs (that’s not healthy), but looking out for others—whether it’s a friend who needs support, a coworker who’s overwhelmed, or just someone having a rough day—shows people they can count on you. And trust? It thrives on that.

Share Your Knowledge and Time Freely.

Ever had someone go out of their way to help you learn something? It’s a great feeling, right? Whether it’s mentoring a new colleague, helping a friend with a project, or just sharing advice, being generous with what you know builds trust. People appreciate those who lift others up instead of keeping all their knowledge to themselves.

Cheer People On. 

We all need a hype person sometimes. Celebrate people’s wins, big or small. Encourage them when they doubt themselves. Support their dreams. Trust grows when people know you genuinely want to see them succeed.

Big Thoughts. 

Trust is hard. At the end of the day, trust isn’t built by grand gestures—it’s built by showing up, caring, and being someone, people know they can count on. Benevolence, in my opinion, is the most important factor for building trust. Sometimes it means doing something even if you don’t want to but because it’s important to the other person. It’s about believing in the other person and showing them that you support them. Notice that I didn’t say you agree with them. Trust comes from lifting other people up even for them, not you. So, be kind, be present, and look out for the people around you. Because when you lead with genuine care, trust follows naturally.

Barbara Ann Sharon, Chief Learning Officer at The Training Edge is challenging you to take the Trust-Building Challenge!

Trust Building Challenge Activity.pdf

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