Creating trust

Five minutes early. Thirty minutes waiting. Zero replies.
(Plus a 20-minute drive and a parking fee... lovely.)

A missed meeting isn’t just poor diary management; it’s a loud announcement of priorities.

What the silence really says

- My time outranks yours.

- The details can look after themselves.

- Accountability is optional.

If tapping out a quick ‘Running 10 mins behind, so sorry, shall we push to 2 pm?’ feels burdensome, how are the bigger promises handled, client deadlines, budgets, even personal wellbeing?

Three low-effort habits that compound trust: 

1. Confirm the day before
A 20-second message can save two calendars and a tank of fuel.

2. Update in real time
Trains delayed? Traffic jam on the M4? A short heads-up keeps goodwill intact.

3. Close the loop
Can’t make it? Own it, apologise, and propose a new slot, ideally before the other person has to ask.

These micro-moves take minutes, but they do heavy lifting for your reputation. Keep the small promises and people will back you with the big ones. 

Break them, and the empty chair becomes your spokesperson and not in a good way.