Understanding the characteristics of a trustworthy person requires you to first know what constitutes trust. Webster’s dictionary defines “trust” as assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. The word trustworthy is an adjective used to describe someone who is dependable and worthy of confidence.
Trust is one of the fundamental prerequisites for a healthy relationship. Without trust, relationships don’t last and can turn toxic. Finding a trustworthy person and learning to trust someone can prove to be an uphill task, especially if your trust has been betrayed in the past. To help you get a better understanding of a person and identify the qualities that make a person trustworthy, we have compiled a list of the 9 characteristics of a trustworthy person.
Is Trustworthiness A Character Trait?
The characteristic of a trustworthy person goes beyond mere behavior as it is ingrained in the individual’s core values, which form an integral part of the individual’s moral compass. Trustworthiness is usually considered one of the most desirable traits in any relationship, be it personal or professional. Even casual relationships require each person to trust the other to a certain degree. The question arises, then, can trustworthiness be considered a permanent characteristic of a trustworthy person, or is it a quality that can be learned and developed over time?
Trustworthiness is much more than just the absence of deceit. It is a combination of personal values and ethical principles that translates into reliable behavior. This is what makes people place their trust in someone and rely on them without any hesitation. A trustworthy person is honest and loyal, maintaining these characteristics consistently in all their behaviors and actions. This consistency persists even if they are not being observed.
So what makes trustworthiness a character trait? Here are some of the factors:
- As per a 2024 research paper, genetic factors can contribute greatly to the qualities that make a person trustworthy.
- Being trustworthy is a character trait that can be cultivated and developed over time. Developing this attribute requires the individual to be honest, open-minded, and empathetic.
- In order to build trustworthiness, an individual must be consistent in actions, words, and behaviors.
- Being trustworthy is a trait that anyone can cultivate through self-awareness, reflection,n and sincere practice.
In this article, we explore nine important characteristics or traits of a trustworthy person, while getting a better understanding of how they apply across different aspects of life. Whether at home, the workplace, or amongst friends, being someone who can be trusted and relied upon is a quality that will continue to garner admiration.
9 Characteristics Of A Trustworthy Person
Not every person you meet is trustworthy, and since trust is not something that can be measured, it can be quite a task to appraise someone for trustworthiness. However, if you can look beyond the words spoken by a person and observe their deeds, over a period of time you can put together a picture of the individual that will indicate whether or not they can be trusted.
Certain types of behavior will be pretty obvious indicators of trust, but remember, it is the overall behavior pattern that will be the best indicator of whether or not an individual can be trusted. So, do not be hasty in forming your opinion. Take your time and observe, using some of these traits as guidelines in forming your opinion.
1. Honesty
The first and probably most important characteristic of a trustworthy person is honesty. Without this characteristic, trust is truly impossible. A trustworthy person will always tell the truth, even in uncomfortable situations. Lying, just because it is the easier way out, is just not an option. This is one of the most important qualities that make a person trustworthy.
Have a look at how honesty contributes to trustworthiness:
- Honesty leads to openness and transparency in a relationship. It is the foundation on which trust can grow.
- Being honest is a characteristic that is highly valued in personal relationships. It is easy to trust a person who is honest.
- Being straightforward leads to transparency in an individual’s decision-making process. This engenders trust.
Examples of honesty in everyday life include:
- Informing someone when you’re unable to meet a deadline
- Acknowledging when you don’t know the answer to something. Not manipulating information to suit one’s own ends or withholding critical details.
- Effective communication by expressing your thoughts and feelings honestly is essential for developing trust.
- Listening to the other person with an open mind is also a form of honesty.
The qualities that make a person trustworthy are all built upon a base of honesty. It is one of the most important signs that you can trust someone. While some of these qualities are inherent in a person’s character, they can also be learned.
2. Ability to feel guilt
Guilt can be a powerful motivator. Research conducted in 2018 from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business by Prof. Emma Levine and other co-authors suggests that the ability to feel guilt is a powerful predictor of those who are most likely to act in a trustworthy manner. The research also provides practical advice for deciding whom we should place trust.
- An individual’s tendency to anticipate feeling guilty is termed “guilt-proneness”
- The same research indicates that a common underlying factor in what makes a person trustworthy is guilt-proneness. It is an even more powerful indicator of trustworthiness than other personality traits, including openness, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
There is a difference between “guilt” and “guilt-proneness”, for example:
- Guilt that follows from any wrongdoing or transgression will cause reparative behavior. This is the admission that the individual was wrong, followed by attempts to repair the damage
- Guilt-proneness is a reflection of an individual’s anticipation of guilt over some wrongdoing. This anticipation causes the individual to avoid transgressing in the first place
- An individual who ranks high in guilt-proneness will feel a greater sense of interpersonal responsibility when they are entrusted by others and are much less likely to try and exploit the trust placed in them
3. Consistency in behavior
Building trust requires a high degree of consistency in one’s actions. Being reliable and following through on promises consistently tells others that you can be counted on.
Whether it is being on time for a meeting or a date, meeting a deadline, or keeping to your commitments, consistency helps to create an impression that you can be depended upon. This dependability or reliability will build a foundation for trust by proving your words are backed by actions.
- Consistency in behavior is one of the qualities that make a person trustworthy
- Those who are consistent in both words and actions demonstrate that they can be relied upon, no matter what the situation
- When an individual’s behavior is steady and predictable, others feel safe and secure in the knowledge that they will act in a certain manner
- In other words, consistency builds a foundation of trust by removing the element of uncertainty
To gain a better understanding of the importance of consistency in building trust, consider these examples.
- Think of a colleague who is always on time for meetings and always meets deadlines. The consistency in their behavior shows that they can be relied upon irrespective of the situation. It also shows that they value your time, a big factor in engendering trust, and one that will be appreciated
- In relationships, consistency is demonstrated by how one shows up for their loved ones, whether it means being physically or emotionally present
4. Integrity
One of the traits of a trustworthy person is integrity, which is demonstrated through their actions and decisions.
- Integrity is that characteristic of an individual that makes them adhere to ethical principles even when no one is watching
- It is also about making the right choices even when it may be easier or more convenient to act otherwise
- Individuals with integrity do not compromise on their values for personal gain and are always honest and transparent in their dealings with others
- Integrity requires high moral standards and the ability to admit when one is wrong
- It means standing up for what is right even in difficult situations. A person with integrity will always stand their moral ground even if that stand will make them unpopular
- One of the characteristics of a trustworthy person at the workplace is their commitment to making ethical decisions, even if those decisions have negative personal consequences
According to an article on the website of the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, trust begets integrity and vice versa. Both these characteristics are vital in leaders. The values exhibited by a leader in the workplace are contagious. The more integrity and trust you repose in your team members, the more you can expect in return.
5. Compassion
According to an article published in the Harvard Business Review, compassion is defined as an emotional response to another’s struggles that involves an authentic desire to help. While closely resembling empathy, it differs because it goes beyond empathy by taking responsive action.
When a colleague or friend is going through a difficult time, meeting them and hearing them out without judgment can be something that they will not forget and will help to deepen the relationship.
Here are some points to consider about compassion:
- Compassion is an essential trait that, although not usually associated with trustworthiness, is still one of the signs that you can trust someone. A trustworthy person will exhibit care and concern for another person’s well-being
- Compassion entails understanding another person’s emotions and responding to them with empathy and kindness. This trait is of particular importance not only in personal relationships but in professional ones too
- Compassion can create strong and supportive bonds and lay the groundwork for developing trust
- A compassionate person is often someone you can rely on since they are aware of the needs of others and respond positively when those needs arise
Whether it is helping with some task or offering some form of encouragement during difficult times, compassion helps build trust by creating a sense of security.
6. Reliability
Abbey Lewis, a blogger for Harvard Business Publishing, says, being reliable is an essential component of building trust. Reliability and trustworthiness often go hand-in-hand. It is one of the important traits of a trustworthy person.
- A reliable person is one you can depend upon, as they always do what they say they will do
- They will show up when they say they will, and they will rarely break promises
- Their behavior instills confidence in others, reassuring others that they can be trusted to be present whenever needed
- A reliable person is one who can be counted on in times of need, both in their personal as well as professional lives
- Some of the characteristics of a trustworthy person at the workplace are their utmost reliability in meeting deadlines, contributing their fair share during team projects, and being someone that their colleagues can count on without fail
In personal relationships, reliability fosters a feeling of safety, which builds trust. If you can rely on your partner, you know that he or she will be there for you, no matter what. This builds trust.
7. Humility
One of the defining qualities that makes a person trustworthy is humility. John Gronski, a lifestyle coach, says that humility cultivates trust. Humility involves acknowledging the fact that we do not have the answers to everything and are open to learning from others.
Here are some characteristics of humble people:
- Humble individuals are not arrogant and boastful, and do not trumpet their achievements
- They are careful to give credit to others and are modest about their own capabilities
- At work, a humble person is willing to take feedback positively and admit whenever they don’t know something or when they are wrong. This is the kind of positive behavior that helps build trust with others
- In the case of personal relationships, a humble person will allow others the space in which to express themselves and be heard
- They will not hog the conversation or the limelight
Humility best describes a trustworthy person in a leadership position in the workplace. Traits such as humility inspire confidence in the case of colleagues. They feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns without the fear of being judged. Confiding in a humble person feels safe, and this contributes greatly in building trust.
8. Respect for boundaries
Trustworthy people will always respect the personal boundaries of others. Irrespective of whether they are emotional, physical, or mental boundaries, they will understand and respect these boundaries. This ability is one of the key traits that makes people feel safe around them and engenders trust. Even if they inadvertently step over the line with a colleague, friend, or partner, a trustworthy person will always acknowledge the fact and apologise.
Some areas that show a person’s respect for personal boundaries include:
- They know when to give others space
- They will not invade another’s privacy
- They will never take advantage of another’s vulnerabilities
- They will not pressure another person to talk about something they are not comfortable with
- They would acknowledge the fact that a person needs some time alone
When it comes to professional matters, it is all about knowing when to respect someone’s personal time and understanding their own limitations. Also, respecting another person’s boundaries demonstrates a level of consideration and regard for their needs and comfort. This helps promote a healthy dynamic where both people feel secure and understood.
9. Accountability
One of the most important traits of a trustworthy person is accountability. As per the Young Leaders of Americas Initiative website, accountability is essential for responsible leaders and contributes greatly to the morale of the organization by engendering trust between co-workers. Accountability is one of the signs that you can trust someone since it shows that they are not only honest but willing to take responsibility for their decisions.
Some examples of accountability include:
- A trustworthy person will take responsibility for their actions, irrespective of whether they are right or wrong
- They do not avoid admitting mistakes and never try to blame others for their mistakes, nor try to justify their actions
- They will readily admit and then try and correct their mistake, trying to make things right when they go wrong
Accountability goes a long way in developing trust by demonstrating maturity and integrity, qualities that are greatly appreciated by others.
How Do You Know You Can Trust Someone?
Knowing whether or not you can trust someone can be a tricky affair, especially if you are not good at reading others. If you pay attention to others’ words and deeds, you will be able to pick up patterns that are quite telling. Signs such as not honoring their commitments, blaming others, running others down, and contradicting themselves are just some of the indicators of an untrustworthy person. Here are some pointers that will help you identify who is trustworthy and who is not.
- Consistency is a hallmark of a trustworthy person: The words and deeds of a trustworthy person will align consistently, and they will not compromise on their values. Consistency is one of the key traits that make a person trustworthy
- Trustworthy people will respect your boundaries: What makes a person trustworthy is their ability to know when to give you space and respect your boundaries. They will apologise for even an inadvertent transgression
- Trustworthy people are accountable for their words and actions: A trustworthy person will take responsibility for his or her actions and will be willing to make amends should they have done something wrong. They will not try and justify their actions, nor will they try and blame others
- Trustworthy people are compassionate: They care for others and are always willing to lend a helping hand or support others in need
- A trustworthy person will possess integrity: A trustworthy person will always do the right thing, even when it is not the easy way out. Facing up to a difficult situation and acting responsibly is how they demonstrate integrity
Trust is an essential component of any healthy relationship, be it a romantic one or just a friendship. At work, trust plays a vital role in the health of the organization. The ability to engender trust is a vital part of a leader’s role. Trust forms the foundation upon which meaningful connections are made and needs to be nurtured over time.
Building trust is an ongoing process that requires consistency, integrity, and commitment from all parties involved..In personal relationships or at the workplace, trust is the glue that keeps a relationship healthy and allows the individuals involved to blossom. Without trust, relationships turn toxic and eventually end. Now that you are familiar with the characteristics of a trustworthy person, you will be in a better position to form an accurate judgement. Do let us know in the comments below how this list has helped you form more accurate judgements.
