The Power of Simply Showing Up
The other day, my daughter texted me right after getting off the bus and asked if I could pick her up.
I asked why, and she just said, “please.”
So, I got in the car and headed her way.
When I pulled up, she was sitting there waiting for me. I had actually expected her to start walking home, and I’d just meet her along the way.
I rolled down my window and laughed. “You’re pretty sure of yourself. I didn’t actually say I’d come.”
Without missing a beat she said, “Of course I am. Whenever I need something, you always come.”
She’s not wrong. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As I've thought about this over the last few days, I realize why this has really stuck with me. What she was really saying was, “I trust you to do what you say you’ll do.” And that's important, not just as a mom but as a friend, a family member, a business owner, and a leader.
The Power of Showing Up
Reliability isn’t flashy, but it’s what people remember. When others know they can count on you, they relax. They stop bracing for disappointment.
At home, that kind of trust looks like a kid who knows you’ll show up when she asks. At work, it looks like a team that feels safe to take risks and share ideas.
Being reliable doesn’t mean being perfect. It means doing what you say you’ll do or communicating when you can’t.
Simple Ways to Build More Trust on Your Team
Here are a few small ways to strengthen reliability in your team:
1. Set clear expectations early.
Be upfront about what’s realistic. Talk about what “done” really means.
2. Respond, even when you don’t have the answer.
A quick “I’ll get back to you” keeps trust intact. Silence usually does the opposite.
3. Keep the small promises.
The daily follow-through is what builds trust over time.
4. Check in often.
Touch base before things fall through the cracks.
5. Notice the quiet ones who follow through.
They’re often the ones holding everything together.
And to be honest, there are a few areas on this list where I can see room to improve myself. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about trying and showing up again tomorrow.
How We Try to Live This at Taproot
At Taproot, growth starts with trust.
When clients work with us, they’re trusting us with something that matters: their people and their story. That’s not something we take lightly.
Our values, Commitment, Curiosity, Collaboration, Community, and Creativity, all begin with the same thing: showing up. Not perfectly, but consistently.
A Little Thought for This Week
Think about the people who count on you, at work and at home.
Where can you show up this week in a way that builds trust? It might be something small, but that’s usually where it starts.
Real growth happens when people stop wondering if you’ll show up and simply trust that you will.
At Taproot, we help organizations build trust-driven cultures through learning and professional development. If your team is ready to grow stronger together, we’d love to connect.
Author: Megan Gutierrez
