Doug NollI'm called in when human dynamics are getting in the way of strategic leadership execution.

Stop Saying "Trust Me" If You Want People to Trust You

28 Jan 2026 · 1 min

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Doug Noll explains why telling people to trust you backfires. Instead, name what they're actually feeling: "You're worried this won't work" or "It feels like you're carrying this alone." Recognition builds trust faster than asking for it.

Stop saying, "Trust me," if you want people to trust you. See, when someone says, "Trust me," and you don't feel understood, your body pulls back because trust is built by recognition. And this is what most leaders don't understand. They try to convince. So instead of saying, "Trust me," simply say, "You're worried this won't work." Don't go saying, "I've got your back." Say, "It feels like you're carrying this alone." When you name what someone is feeling, trust is formed automatically with no convincing required. Follow for more such practical tips.