Do the people you love trust you? Can they count on you to keep your word?
Building trust through integrity is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen relationships—whether at home, at work, or in your community. People who live with integrity are known for their honesty, reliability, and consistency, making it easier for others to feel safe and connected with them.
“Integrity isn’t just about telling the truth—it’s about making sure your actions consistently match your words.”
Why Integrity Strengthens Connections
Integrity in communication is the foundation for trustworthy relationships.
When there’s a gap between what you say and what you do, it erodes trust—especially with those closest to you. In contrast, when your words and actions align, people know they can rely on you.
Unfortunately, many people struggle to maintain this alignment. We might make promises we intend to keep but let unconscious habits take over. Neuroscientists estimate that up to 90% of our actions are driven by the unconscious mind, meaning our behaviour can sometimes contradict our conscious decisions.
A Practical Definition of Integrity
I define integrity as “whether or not my words and actions are integrated.”
If I say I want to listen and understand, I stay silent, let the other person talk, and summarise their words. My actions match my commitment—trust grows.
If I talk over them, share my own stories, or try to problem-solve instead, my actions don’t align with my words—trust suffers.
This simple definition makes it easier to identify when you’re acting with integrity and when you’re not.
How to Be Reliable in Australia: Closing the Gap
Even with the best intentions, there’s often a gap between our commitments and what we actually do. To close that gap:
Check Your Daily Actions – Where do you spend your time, money, and attention?
Notice Discrepancies – Are you saying you’ll spend time with your family but scrolling your phone instead?
Be Consistent – Reliability is built over time through consistent behaviours that match your promises.
Consistency and honesty matter—especially in building trust in Aussie families, where relationships thrive on openness and follow-through.
Integrity in Communication: The Unconscious Factor
Because so much of our behaviour is automatic, building integrity requires aligning your unconscious habits with your conscious intentions. This means creating new patterns, becoming aware of triggers, and making small adjustments that lead to consistent reliability over time.
Final Thoughts
Living with integrity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest with yourself, recognising when your actions don’t match your words, and making the changes needed to rebuild alignment. Over time, this consistency will transform your relationships and make you a person others know they can rely on.
Related Resources
- 📖 Book: Listening – A Guide to Building Deeper Connections – available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
📄 Free PDF: Download the 2-page overview of Building Integrity
🎯 Coaching: Book a personal session for personalised support.
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