Struggling to Gain Trust?
Something might always trouble you when you’re reporting to a new manager, working across departments, or meeting a client for the first time.
Do they think I’m credible? Will they take me seriously?
You might think the trust is hard to earn, but the truth is, people decide whether to trust you very quickly. The 3A Trust Model is a simple and effective way to earn trust from the first moment.
The beauty of this model is, it breaks trust down into three key factors: attitude, ability, and alignment. This gives you a clear structure to build trust fast, instead of guessing what to say or how to behave.
Core Concept: What Is the 3A Trust Model?
The 3A Trust Model includes three building blocks:
Attitude – Show willingness to cooperate
People trust you faster when they feel you’re open, respectful, and willing to work together. Especially in first-time interactions, others often judge your reliability based on your mindset, not just your skills.
To show the right attitude, introduce yourself clearly without dominating the conversation. Use inclusive language like “we” and “together” to reduce distance. Show that you respect the other person’s role and contribution.
Example:
- “I’m glad we’re working on this project together. I heard you led a similar project before — very impressive.”
- “I’ve already prepared some materials so we can align quickly.”
Key takeaway: Make people feel you’re “on their side,” not “on the other side of the table.”
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