4. Be present
The last thing anyone wants is to have a (conversation) with someone who isn't there. Instead of retreating into your head, focus on listening to others. Whenever you are with someone, make them your (primary) focus. Don't think about work while you are at Home talking to your spouse. Don't think about life at Home when you are with a client. When it comes to relationships, presence means quality time and quality time (builds) trust.
6. Take responsibility
When you mess up, which you (invariably) will, be quick to clean it up. Skip the excuses and just take responsibility. Justifying and making excuses may help you in the short term but in the long run, it does nothing for your character or the level of trust you are (given). Accountability is a rare trait these days with most people wanting to avoid negative (consequences) at all costs. Dare to be different and you will win the trust of others.
7. Focus on feedback
Unless you're a mind reader, the only way you can know how well a (relationship) is going is by getting feedback from the other person. Be not only willing to accept feedback – actively seek it out. Many people are afraid to give you (feedback), especially if its negative, out of fear that they will offend. Ask with sincerity and respond respectfully and others will be far more willing. Take both the positive and negative into account along with your own judgement and (adjust) your behaviour accordingly.
8. Take (criticism) well
In some cases, the criticism may indeed be (inaccurate). In these instances, you have the opportunity to show empathy. Try to understand the problem from the other person's point of view. Perhaps the criticism is just a (thinly) veiled attack that stems from a deeper upset they may have with you. In these cases, your willingness to dig deeper without getting (defensive) will certainly enhance the trust in the relationship.
11. Your word is your bond
Keep all the promises you make and (ensure) that you make promises only sparingly. Make your word stronger than any written (contract). Refuse to make empty promises and manipulate people.
When a promise you have made is no longer (beneficial) to you, instead of deciding to not follow through, attempt to renegotiate the deal. When you renegotiate the agreement, ensure that the new commitment provides even more (value) to the other person.
12. Be consistent
Above all, be consistent in your behavior. Don't engage in the behavior once in a while when it seems convenient. Your (consistency) is the key to your trustworthiness. Small actions add up and a track record of high character is (invaluable) in any relationship. Become intensely principle-centered and trust will follow easily and consistently.
Question)
1. Do you agree with any point or points in the passage?
2. Can you take the criticism well?
