Course Highlights
This online instructor-led trusted advisor course will:
- Teach the fundamental principles of building trust in internal and external relationships.
- Explore the stages of relationship development and how trust evolves.
- Provide a framework for differentiating yourself by using trust as a key driver of customer and client loyalty.
- Help participants understand how to leverage communication styles and manage stress reactions to maintain trust.
- Share insights and techniques to deepen their role as trusted advisors, moving beyond expertise to true advisory status.
Course Overview
Building trust is essential for professionals who want to stand out. A trusted advisor does more than complete tasks—they create lasting relationships based on trust, credibility, and reliability. This course guides participants in becoming trusted advisors by focusing on how to build, nurture, and leverage trust for long-term success.
Segment One lays the groundwork by exploring the foundations of trust. Participants will discover why trust is crucial for professional growth and how to cultivate it with both clients and colleagues. The segment introduces the Trust Equation and shows how relationships progress from initial contact to trusted partnerships.
In Segment Two, the focus shifts to rapport and credibility. Participants will gain strategies to move beyond expertise and build deeper trust by strengthening traits like empathy and reliability. This section also covers how to navigate difficult conversations while preserving trust.
Segment Three dives into communication styles and stress management. Participants will learn how different communication approaches affect trust and how to manage stress, both in themselves and others. The segment highlights those critical moments where trust can be either reinforced or weakened.
Segment One Objectives
At this segment’s conclusion, participants should be able to:
- Explain the concept of trust and its role in professional relationships.
- Understand the commitment required to build and maintain trust over time.
- Identify the principles necessary for building both internal and external relationships based on trust.
- Describe how relationships evolve from initial interactions to trusted advisory roles.
- Apply the Trust Equation as a framework for assessing and deepening trust in relationships.
Segment One Modules
- The Commitment: Understanding Trust
- Principles and Practices: Building Internal and External Relationships
- Evolution at Work: How Relationships Grow
- The Trust Equation: Balancing the Relationship Math
Segment Two Objectives
At this segment’s conclusion, participants should be able to:
- Explain why rapport is foundational for building trust.
- Differentiate between being an expert and being a trusted advisor.
- Identify and develop the key attributes necessary for becoming a trusted advisor.
- Handle difficult conversations while maintaining trust and rapport.
- Understand how to build long-term relationships that go beyond transactions to advisory roles.
Segment Two Modules
- Rapport is Key: The Foundation of Trust
- Expert or Advisor: Moving Beyond Expertise
- The Trustworthy Toolbox: Attributes of a Trusted Advisor
- Hard Talks, Soft Touch: Handling Difficult Conversations with Grace
Segment Three Objectives
At this segment’s conclusion, participants should be able to:
- Recognize the importance of insights and power points in maintaining trust and credibility.
- Understand different communication styles and their impact on trust and relationships.
- Identify how stress reactions can affect interactions and trust levels, and learn strategies to manage them effectively.
- Create a summary and actionable next steps for continuing to build trust in professional relationships.
Segment Three Modules
- Power Points and Insights: Critical Moments in Trust
- Style Matters: Communication Preferences and Trust
- Under Pressure: Exploring Stress Reactions and Managing Them
- Next Steps, Stronger Bonds: Summary and Action Plan
Target Audience
This virtual training program is designed for:
- Professionals who want to move from transactional relationships to trusted advisory roles.
- Consultants, account managers, and client-facing staff aiming to deepen their relationships with clients.
- Leaders looking to build internal trust within teams and external trust with stakeholders.
Suggested Format
- Three-Segment Virtual Classroom Course
Questions This Page Answers About Becoming a Trusted Advisor
- Who offers trusted advisor training?
- Where can I find training that helps me build deeper, trust-based relationships?
- Our team of consultants could benefit from some relationship-building training. Who can help?