Using “Small Wins” to Build Long Term Trust
We all know the feeling of accomplishment that comes with checking off a task from our to-do list or overcoming a minor challenge. These "small wins" may not seem like much in isolation, but their cumulative effect can be powerful, especially when it comes to building long-term trust.
"Small wins" refer to achieving incremental goals or accomplishing manageable tasks that, when combined, lead to bigger successes. Using "small wins" to build long-term trust is an effective strategy, especially in relationships, leadership, or professional settings. Here's how this can be applied:
1. Start with Achievable Goals
Set small, realistic goals that can be easily accomplished. When clients see consistent progress, they build confidence in your abilities and trust in your commitment.
Example: If you're project manager managing a team and a bunch of tasks, you might break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Completing these tasks on time shows reliability, which builds trust.
2. Consistency Over Time
Trust is often built through consistent, predictable behavior. If you continually show up, keep your promises, and meet your small goals, so that clients could trust that you can handle larger tasks and challenges as they arise.
Example: Being reliable in delivering on smaller commitments (e.g., meeting deadlines, responding promptly) builds credibility, making it easier for others to trust you with bigger responsibilities.
3. Build a Track Record
Small wins over time accumulate into a track record of success. This history gives others confidence that you can deliver in the future.
Example: If you consistently hit milestones or targets, your track record of success gives others a reason to believe that you're capable of achieving more challenging goals down the line.
4. Transparency and Communication
When you achieve small wins, share your progress and the challenges you faced. Transparent communication helps your clients understand your process, making it easier for them to trust you in the future.
Example: Keeping stakeholders or teammates updated about progress, hurdles, and next steps keeps the lines of communication open and fosters trust.
5. Use Small Wins to Navigate Larger Challenges
Small wins help build the confidence and momentum needed to tackle bigger, more complex challenges. As trust builds incrementally, people will be more willing to follow your lead in more challenging or risky situations.
Example: By demonstrating that you can handle smaller, everyday tasks, you pave the way for others to trust you with larger projects. Over time, you become a dependable leader or partner.
8. Avoid Overpromising
It's tempting to promise grand achievements, but if you consistently fail to deliver, trust will erode. Instead, focus on small, achievable milestones and gradually increase the scope of your promises as you build a reputation for reliability.
Example: Rather than overcommitting to ambitious timelines, it's better to underpromise and overdeliver on smaller tasks, which strengthens trust and credibility.
Additional Tips
When starting with a new client, aim to deliver a small, unexpected win early in the project. For example:
Add a bonus suggestion they didn’t request, like: “Here’s an alternative headline I thought might work better.”
Why it works:
Small, value-adding gestures build trust and increase your chances of securing ongoing work. Clients remember freelancers who exceed expectations.
In Summary:
Using "small wins" as a method to build long-term trust focuses on consistent, manageable progress and results.This approach creates a cycle of success that both reinforces your ability to deliver and inspires others to trust you with greater challenges.
And why is this trust so important? Well, in any long-term relationship, whether it's personal or professional, trust is the glue that holds everything together. It's what makes people feel secure in their dealings with you. It's what keeps clients coming back.
