Trust is the cornerstone of every meaningful relationship, particularly in leadership and teamwork. But how can trust be measured or understood?

Enter the Trust Equation from the book The Trusted Advisor: a simple yet powerful formula that breaks down the components of trust into tangible, actionable elements.

Here’s what each element stands for:

• Credibility (C): Do people believe what you say? This is about expertise, honesty, and delivering on promises.
• Reliability (R): Do you do what you say you will? Consistency over time builds confidence.
• Intimacy (I): Do people feel comfortable confiding in you? Emotional safety plays a crucial role in trust.
• Self-orientation (S): Are you focused on others or yourself? High self-interest lowers trust.

The equation reveals that trust grows when credibility, reliability, and intimacy are high, while self-orientation needs to be low. For instance, a leader who consistently delivers results (reliable), communicates transparently (credible), and genuinely listens to their team (intimacy) will foster trust. Conversely, if their actions seem self-serving, trust erodes.

In practice, the trust equation offers a roadmap for improving relationships by highlighting where you might be falling short. Whether in negotiations, team-building, or leadership, it reminds us that trust isn’t built by accident—it’s a deliberate and delicate balancing act.