Trustworthiness is a vital leadership habit because trust plays an important role in healthy relationships and everyday encounters with others. Those who are trustworthy are more likely to foster positive relationships. Whether it is through small teaching moments or larger conversations around trust, you can teach kids about trustworthiness and the importance of being someone others can rely on.
BEING HONEST
Being honest means telling the truth and not lying. By being honest, others are more likely to believe what you say which allows you to build a strong reputation in your community. In addition, if you are honest, you do not risk betraying or losing someone else’s trust. It is important to teach kids the importance of being honest and how honesty can build trustworthiness and positive relationships with others.
BEING RELIABLE
Reliability is essential when we teach kids about trustworthiness. Being reliable means consistently matching your words to your actions. It is crucial that you are trustworthy but also reliable, because it shows those around you that you can keep your promises and be there for others when they need you most.
PLAYING BY THE RULES
Whether it is during school activities, family game nights, or playing with friends, kids can learn how to be trustworthy by playing by the rules. This means that even though you may want to win a game, you will not cheat or cut corners to do so.
HAVING THE COURAGE TO DO THE RIGHT THING
Teaching our children about courage is crucial. Courage is the drive to do the right thing even when that might not be an easy choice. Sometimes, doing the right thing can be uncomfortable and may require courage; however, doing the right thing in a tough situation builds character and shows others that you are reliable and trustworthy. Trustworthiness, reliability, and courage go hand-in-hand!
BUILDING A GOOD REPUTATION
In order to build a good reputation in your community, it is crucial that we show others that we are trustworthy by being reliable, courageous, and doing the right thing. When others know they can rely on you, you can build healthy relationships—and what better way to positively influence those around you!
When teaching trustworthiness to kids, is important that you put it into practice. For example, you can provide opportunities for kids to demonstrate their trustworthiness, and enforce positive and negative consequences according to the circumstances and outcomes. Walk the talk, as the saying goes, and lead by positive example for your kids.
by Cindy Liu and Kyle Dedecker
