Passion Struck with John R. Miles - 4 Powerful Trust-Building Exercises for Strong Teams and Relationships w/John R. Miles EP 313

Episode Date: June 30, 2023

Trust is the sturdy foundation that underpins our personal and professional relationships. In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles explores the science and psychology of trust and shares four powerful trust-building exercises that can transform ordinary connections into extraordinary bonds. Through practices like sharing vulnerabilities, active listening, cultivating empathy, and expressing gratitude, listeners will learn how to nurture trust and forge unbreakable alliances. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/4-powerful-trust-building-exercises/  And in case you didn't already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [e-mail]. Now let's dive in! Employing 4 Powerful Trust Building Exercises to Create Stronger Teams and Relationships In this episode, John explores four trust-building exercises that have a profound impact. Each exercise plays a crucial role in fostering trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a transformative experience. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the science and benefits of trust and practical tools to cultivate trust in their relationships. Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at [e-mail]! Brought to you by Nom Nom. Get 50% off and unlock a two-week risk-free trial at https://trynom.com/passionstruck. Brought to you by Hello Fresh. Use code passionstruck16 to get 16 free meals, plus free shipping!” Brought to you by Indeed. Head to https://www.indeed.com/passionstruck, where you can receive a $75 credit to attract, interview, and hire in one place. Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @john_R_Miles. Prefer to watch this episode: https://youtu.be/m9uJYtsTu3c  Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMiles Subscribe to our YouTube Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@passionstruckclips Want to find your purpose in life? I provide my six simple steps to achieving it - passionstruck.com/5-simple-steps-to-find-your-passion-in-life/ Want to hear my best interviews from 2022? Check out episode 233 on intentional greatness and episode 234 on intentional behavior change. Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/  Passion Struck is now on the AMFM247 broadcasting network every Monday and Friday from 5–6 PM. Step 1: Go to TuneIn, Apple Music (or any other app, mobile or computer) Step 2: Search for “AMFM247” Network  

Coming up next on Passion Struck, in the tapestry of our lives, trust weaves the threads that bind us together, creating a vibrant mosaic of flourishing relationships. Trust is not merely an abstract concept, but a living, breathing force that requires nurturing and commitment. By embracing the journey of cultivating trust, we embark on a transformative path, where vulnerability becomes our armor, empathy, our compass, and

collaboration, our guiding light. Welcome to PassionStruct. Hi, I'm your host, John Armiles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself. If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guest-ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes.

Now, let's go out there and become PassionStruck. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Momentum Friday, an episode 313 of PassionStruck. Ranked by Apple is one of the top 10 health podcasts and the number one alternative health podcast. Thank you to each and every one of you who comes back weekly to listen and learn. Had a live better, be better, and impact the world. Earlier this week we hit an incredible milestone of 10 million downloads, and we couldn't have done it without you, our incredible listeners. From the bottom of my heart, I wanted to extend a massive thank you to each and every one of you who has joined us on this inspiring journey. Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication

have been the driving force behind this incredible achievement. And in case you're not aware, Hashanstruck is also now on CITICATED RADIO, on the AMFM247 National Broadcast, and you can tune in Monday and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Links will be in the show notes. If you're new to the show,

thank you so much for being here today, or you simply want to introduce this to a friend or family member, we now have episode starder packs which are collections of our fans. Favorite episodes that we organize in the convenient topics that give any new listener a great way to get acclimated

to everything we do here on the show. Either go to Spotify or passionstruck.com slash starder packs to get started. In case you missed my interviews from earlier in the week, they included one with doctors, David Kipper and Kennell Cowan, about how to override your brain chemistry and positively change your behaviors. I also interviewed my friend Hillary Billings about the psychology of attention, personal brand building, and the keys to creating explosive content that stands out.

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Now, let's talk about today's episode. Trust is not merely a thread that weaves through the fabric of relationships. It is the sturdy foundation upon which they stand. Without trust, even the most seemingly invincible bonds can crumble under the weight of doubt and insecurity. Whether we're talking about personal connections, or the professional relationships that shape our careers, trust is an indispensable ingredient that allows us to communicate effectively, work together harmoniously, and forge unbreakable alliances. However, trust

is not a magical potion that materializes overnight. It requires time, dedication, and a genuine commitment to nurturing its growth. But fear not for in this vast landscape of human connection, there are trust-building exercises that can act as beacons of hope, illuminating the path towards more stronger and meaningful relationships. In today's episode, we'll embark on an exhilarating exploration of four powerful trust-building exercises that hold the potential to strengthen your relationships, we'll delve into the science and psychology behind trust, the benefits of building trust, and how these trust-building exercises can help you incorporate trust into your relationships.

Join us as we uncover the numerous benefits that sprout from the fertile soil of trust. From heightened levels of mutual understanding and empathy, who increased collaboration and productivity, trust has the power to transform ordinary connections into extraordinary bonds that can withstand the test of time. By the end of this episode, you'll possess the keys to building unbreakable trust, yet ready to revolutionize your relationships and embrace the power of trust like never before. Thank you for choosing PassionStruck and choosing me, be your host and guide on your journey, creating an intentional life.

Now, let that journey begin. Before we outline the trust-building exercises, let us take a moment to delve deeper into the essence of trust itself, understanding the intricacies of trust and its multifaceted nature is crucial to truly grasping the power and the significance of these exercises. Trust is far from an abstract concept. It is a complex interplay of psychological and social phenomena that intricately shape our relationships. At its core, trust revolves around the profound belief that another person will act in our best interests, refraining from exploiting

our vulnerabilities. It is the deep-seated confidence we place in someone, recognizing their reliability, competence, and unwavering honesty. When trust blossoms, we find ourselves at ease, embracing vulnerability, sharing our innermost thoughts, and relying on the unwavering support of trusted companions. The foundation of trust lies within the realm of social cognition, a fascinating process through which we process and comprehend social information. As we engage with others, our minds definitely assess an array of cues to determine the trustworthiness of those around us. These cues manifest in various forms, encompassing body language,

facial expressions, tone of voice, and even our past experiences. After forming our initial impression of someone, we've commonly fallen to the trap of confirmation bias. This bias causes us to actively seek out information that aligns with our existing beliefs about that person while dismissing or ignoring any evidence that contradicts our perception. For instance, if we perceive someone as trustworthy, we tend to focus on gaining information that supports this belief and disregard any information that challenges it. By understanding these underlying mechanisms of trust, we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate the labyrinth of human connections. With this knowledge in our grasp, we can now explore the myriad of benefits that arise

from building trust and our relationships. Building trust in your relationships is a transformative endeavor yielding numerous benefits for both you and the other person involved. Here are just a few of the many benefits of building trust. First, it improves communication. When you trust someone wholeheartedly, you are more likely to communicate openly and honestly with them. This level of transparency paves the way for better understanding, minimizing the potential for misunderstandings, and fostering a deeper connection. Second, it increases collaboration. Trust is the lifeblood of effective cooperation.

When trust permeates a relationship, individuals are more inclined to work seamlessly, harnessing their collective strengths and striving towards shared goals with unwavering dedication. Third, it creates greater empathy. Trust and empathy are intricately intertwined. When trust is present, we are more likely to emphasize with others, understanding and sharing their feelings. This empathy enhances our connections and deepens our bonds. Fourth, it creates heightened job satisfaction.

Trust is an indispensable element of the workplace. When you trust your colleagues and managers, you experience greater job satisfaction. This foundation of trust nurtures an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best. It also provides enhanced mental health. Trust plays a pivotal role in our mental well-being, cultivating trusting relationships, provides a solid support system, reducing stress levels, fostering resilience, and contributing to our overall mental wellness. So now, equipped with the enlightening science behind trust and a deeper understanding of its

remarkable benefits, let us explore four trust-building exercises. Through these exercises, we have the ability to nurture trust within our relationships, fostering bonds grounded in authenticity, mutual respect, and unwavering faith. As we engage in these transformative practices, we plant the seeds of connection, allowing our relationships to flourish and grow with trust as their guiding force. First exercise is to share vulnerabilities, which are a bold step towards trust. In the realm of trust building, sharing vulnerabilities stands as a powerful catalyst to deepen connections. This exercise requires us to courageously sit down with someone and take turns sharing

our inner struggles, fears and personal challenges. By bearing our vulnerabilities, we exhibit a profound level of trust, honesty, and openness. Here are some tips for practicing vulnerability. The first is to acknowledge your feelings, recognize and accept your own emotions before trying to understand those of others. Second, show genuine interest. Ask open-ended questions to show interest in others' experiences. Third, maintain open body language. Nonverbal cues such as eye contact were not in show that you're actively listening. Listen patiently, letting the other person speak without interruption, shows respect for their viewpoint, and avoid judgmental responses. Responding non-judgmentally,

encourages open communication and fosters in environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing personal thoughts and concerns. The act of sharing vulnerabilities finds its roots in prominent psychological theories. Notably, the social penetration theory and the principle of reciprocity. These theories shed light on the dynamics of self-disclosure and the reciprocal nature of trust-building within relationships. According to the social penetration theory, initial interactions between individuals tend to involve exchanging shallow and non-intimate information. However, as a relationship progresses and trust is formed, individuals become gradually more comfortable revealing deeper aspects of their lives, thoughts, and emotions. This gradual and orderly movement from superficial to intimate levels of self-disclosure plays

a pivotal role in deepening the connection between individuals. Moreover, the principle of reciprocity, a fundamental law of social psychology, plays a significant role in trust-building through self-disclosure. By inviting others to reciprocate and sharing of personal information, a mutual exchange of trust and intimacy is formed, the principle of reciprocity recognizes that in relationships, the act of giving and receiving support in a mutually beneficial manner strengthens the bonds between individuals, sets into motion a positive cycle where each person feels valued, understood and supported, leading to a deeper level of trust.

By drawing upon these psychological theories, we understand the significance of sharing vulnerabilities in building trust. As individuals gradually open up and disclose more personal information, they contribute to developing a more secure and intimate relationship. The principle of reciprocity amplifies this process by promoting a reciprocal exchange of trust,

support, and understanding. Further solidifying the foundation of the relationship. Research indicates that sharing vulnerabilities promotes empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared relationship. Research indicates that sharing vulnerabilities promotes empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared experiences. It fosters a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves.

This exercise nurtures trust by demonstrating our willingness to be vulnerable and creating an atmosphere of acceptance and non-judgment. The next exercise that we're gonna go into is to practice active listening. Engaging in active listening is a powerful tool to amplify trust and foster meaningful connection. At its core, active listening entails more than just hearing.

It involves wholeheartedly immersing ourselves in the speaker's words and genuinely comprehending their message. This exercise originates from established communications theories such as empathetic listening and nonverbal communication. Empathetic listening, also known as active listening or reflective listening, enables a profound understanding of trust to flourish. Empathetic listening cultivates a deeper connection by actively seeking to understand and share the speaker's emotions. Additionally,

nonverbal communication plays a crucial role, including maintaining eye contact, nodding, and adopting open body language, all of which signal attentiveness and genuine interest. These nonverbal cues contribute to the establishment of trust within the conversation. By practicing active listening, trust is heightened by creating environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and truly understood. Effective communication is facilitated, leading to reduction in misunderstandings, and the development of strong rapport. Demonstrating genuine engagement and empathy

conveys the utmost respect for the thoughts and emotions of the speaker. They're by strengthening and nurturing the foundation of trust in the relationship itself. Scientific studies validate a transformative impact of active listening on relationships. Couples who actively practice the skill report higher levels of relationship satisfaction in intimacy.

The exercise strengthens trust by reinforcing the belief that the other person's thoughts and feelings are respected and acknowledged. The third exercise that we're going to delve into is cultivating empathy, which is a powerful force that drives understanding and connection by genuinely stepping into another person's shoes and seeking to understand their experiences and emotions. We lay the foundation for trust to flourish. One exercise that encompasses these principles

involves taking turns sharing personal stories and experiences that are shaped our lives. To engage in this exercise, set aside, dedicated time to have an open and honest conversation. Each person takes turns sharing a personal story or experience, opening up about their fears, struggles, or significant moments in their lives. The key is to create a safe and non-judgmental space

where individuals can be vulnerable without fear of criticism or rejection. As the stories are shared, the other person actively listens, seeking to understand and empathize with the conveyed emotions and experiences. Psychological theories, like emotional intelligence and the social support theory, provide insights into the mechanisms that are at play with this exercise. Emotional intelligence allows us to recognize and regulate our own emotions,

fostering self-awareness and empathy towards others. By being emotionally attuned, we can better understand the impact of our actions and words of those around us. Social support theory emphasizes the importance of receiving support from others. When we provide a supportive environment or empathy, we contribute to the wellbeing and satisfaction

of our relationships. Engaging in empathy, foster's trust through mutual understanding, validating emotions, and nurturing a sense of belonging. As we connect with others on a deeper level, we signal our willingness to listen, support and empathize with their experiences.

Empathy creates an environment where vulnerability is embraced, and trust can thrive. Scientific research consistently confirms the transformative effects of empathy on relationships. Studies have shown that couples actively practicing empathy report higher levels of relationship satisfaction, increased feelings of closeness, and a strengthened sense of connection. By placing empathy at the forefront of our interactions, we unlock the transformative power of trust as we seek to understand, validate, and connect with others at an emotional

level, we build bonds that are resilient, authentic, and are built on a foundation of empathy. Let us embark on this journey of empathy and trust, nurturing relationships that inspire, support, and uplift one another. And the fourth trust-building exercise that we're going to get into is to express gratitude, which is a simple gesture and a powerful tool for building trust and fortifying relationships. When we express gratitude, we convey our appreciation and value for the other person, acknowledging their positive contributions to our lives, to engage in this exercise, dedicate time daily, to reflect upon, and express gratitude towards the other person. It could be as simple as verbally thanking them, or their support, acknowledging their efforts, or expressing gratitude for their presence in your life. The key is

to be sincere and specific in your expressions of gratitude, highlighting the specific qualities and actions that you appreciate. By regularly practicing gratitude, you cultivate a positive and trusting environment within your relationship. This exercise serves as a reminder of the positive aspects of your connection, fostering a sense of appreciation and admiration for one another. It enhances the bonds between individuals by reinforcing the belief that our efforts and presence are valued and cherished. This exercise aligns with the broadened and build theory of positive emotions and the concept of emotional bank accounts. The broadened and build theory suggests that positive emotions broaden our perspective in thinking, enabling us to build enduring personal resources such as trust, resilience, and

social connections. The concept of emotional bank accounts, popularized by Stephen Covey, proposes that we make emotional deposits into our relationships through positive interactions and expressions of gratitude, contributing to a surplus of trust and goodwill. Psychological research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of gratitude on relationships. Studies have shown that couples who regularly express gratitude report higher levels of relationship satisfaction, increased feelings of closeness, and a deeper sense of connection. Gratitude not only enhances the emotional well-being of individuals,

but it also strengthens the very fabric of the relationship itself. The recultivating gratitude we embark on a journey of nurturing trust and strengthening our relationships. Regularly expressing gratitude creates an environment where both partners feel valued, acknowledged, and supported. Let us embrace this gratitude practice, harnessing its transformative power, a foster love, connection, and trust in our relationships.

So now that we've gone over these four trust-building exercise, I wanted to lead you through a real-life example of how you could apply them into your own life. So let's dive into how do we nurture trust, which is an essential cornerstone of successful relationships, requiring intentional effort and unwavering commitment. By engaging in trust-building exercises, rooted in active listening, empathy, vulnerability

and gratitude, we can strengthen our relationships and create a resilient foundation of trust. While the journey may present challenges, its rewards are profound and deeply fulfilling. Let's envision the journey of Sarah and John, two individuals grappling with a strain relationship overshadowed by lack of trust. Their communication was marred by frequent disagreements and ineffective collaboration. Determined to mend their bond, they embarked on a transformative path by incorporating the trust-building exercises that we have explored. The first step was acknowledging the power of vulnerability. Sarah and John mustered the courage to open up, sharing their personal struggles and fears.

Drawing inspiration from the social penetration theory, Serranjohn mustered the courage to open up, sharing their personal struggles and fears. Drawing inspiration from the social penetration theory, they recognized that gradually invalid their true selves, would foster trust and deepen their connection. To amplify their understanding, Serranjohn actively practiced empathetic listening. Guided by this empathetic listening in non-verbal communication principles, they created a space free from distractions were genuine understanding and shared emotions thrived. They demonstrated their commitment to active listening and validated each other's feelings

through a ten of eye contact with nonverbal cues. As a result, their communication flourished, misunderstandings diminished, and a foundation of trust began to take root. Further strengthening their trust, Sarah and John collaborated on a project, united in the pursuit of a shared goal, exercised allowed them to witness firsthand each other's reliability, consistency, and skills. Wrong from the principles of the social support theory, they found support and encouragement in their joint endeavors, cementing their growing trust in each other's abilities. Ratitude became an integral part of their daily interactions. They made it a habit to

express genuine appreciation for each other's contributions and efforts, fostering a positive emotional climate, deeply rooted in positive psychology and emotional intelligence. This gratitude acted as a catalyst, deepening their connection and fortifying their bond. The commitment to these trust-building exercises resulted in a remarkable transformation in Serenjohn's relationship. They communicated more effectively, collaborated seamlessly, and placed unwavering trust in one another. They experienced greater relationship satisfaction, feelings of closeness, and a profound sense of connection. So now that we've gone over John and Sarah's story, I'd like to end on how you can embrace this journey of cultivating trust into flourishing relationships. In the tapestry of our lives,

trust weaves the threads that bind us together, grading a vibrant mosaic of flourishing relationships. In the tapestry of our lives, trust weaves the threads that bind us together, grating a vibrant mosaic of flourishing relationships. Trust is not merely an abstract concept, but a living, breathing force that requires nurturing and commitment by embracing the journey of cultivating trust. We embark on a transformative path, where vulnerability becomes our armor, empathy our compass, and collaboration our guiding light. In conclusion, as we embrace cultivating trust for flourishing relationships, let us remember that trust is not merely an outcome, but an intentional and ongoing process.

By nurturing trust, we unlock the power of genuine connection, open communication, and profound understanding. I hope you all enjoyed the show, and I wanted to thank everyone who wrote in this week, and of course, everybody who listened. Thank you so much. A link to the transcript will be in the show notes. Videos will be on YouTube at John R. Miles and PassionStruck Clips. As I said at the beginning of the episode, you can now catch us on syndicated radio on the AMFM 247 National broadcast every Monday and Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Links will be in the show notes. Ivertize our deals and discount codes in one convenient place, a passionstruck.com slash deals. I'm on LinkedIn where you can sign up for my newsletter

and you can also catch me at John Armiles on all the other social platforms. You're about to hear a preview of the Passionstruck podcast I did with University of California Berkeley professor Christina Maslack about her book, The Burnout Challenge, where she shares invaluable insights in detacling burnout, improving workplace civility and fostering engagement. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could transform your perspective on work

as well as your well-being. We want to feel like we belong to the unit, the team. We want to feel that we're psychologically safe, that we can raise a criticism, if we see something going wrong, we're not going to get put down, that it's okay to ask for advice or help, and feeling that we're being treated fairly, and that we're doing something that I'm feeling good about. And so that's where these matches that I'm talking about is really getting at what makes people tick, what makes them thrive, what makes them grow, develop, and do well in life.

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