Building Trust Before Giving Advice

Have you ever received advice from someone you barely knew?

Maybe it was good advice.

Maybe it wasn't.

Either way, it's often difficult to accept guidance from someone you don't trust.

That's one of the biggest lessons I've learned through sports and leadership:

People are more likely to accept advice when they trust the person giving it.

Before you can influence someone, you have to earn their trust.

And trust isn't built through words.

It's built through actions.

Trust Can't Be Rushed

Many people think leadership begins when someone starts giving advice.

I think leadership begins much earlier.

It begins with listening.

Showing up consistently.

Keeping your promises.

Being respectful.

Showing genuine interest in another person's success.

Trust doesn't happen overnight.

It's earned through small moments that add up over time.

Just like confidence, trust grows one interaction at a time.

What I Learned From My Own Mentors

Looking back, I realize I didn't admire my mentors simply because they were successful.

I admired them because I trusted them.

I trusted them because they were consistent.

They listened.

They encouraged me during difficult moments.

They cared about me as a person, not just as a player.

That made their advice meaningful.

When someone genuinely wants the best for you, you become much more willing to learn from them.

Their words carry weight because they've earned the right to be heard.

Every Conversation Is an Opportunity

Any time a younger athlete asks me for advice, I remind myself of something important.

The first conversation shouldn't be about fixing someone's game.

It should be about getting to know them.

What are their goals?

What excites them?

What challenges are they facing?

What do they enjoy outside of tennis?

The more I listen, the more comfortable they become.

And the more comfortable they become, the more open they are to asking questions and accepting feedback.

I've learned that listening isn't the opposite of leadership.

It's one of its greatest strengths.

Advice Without Trust Rarely Lasts

Imagine trying to coach someone you've never met.

You immediately tell them everything they're doing wrong.

Even if you're correct, they're unlikely to respond well.

Now imagine something different.

You spend time getting to know them.

You encourage them.

You celebrate their progress.

You ask thoughtful questions.

Over time, they begin to trust you.

Now, when you offer advice, it feels different.

It feels supportive rather than critical.

That's the power of trust.

Trust Is Built Through Consistency

People often ask how to earn trust.

There's no secret formula.

It's built through consistency.

Doing what you say you'll do.

Treating everyone with respect.

Being honest.

Showing up when you say you will.

Encouraging others during difficult moments.

People don't trust perfection.

They trust consistency.

Lead With Questions

One lesson I've learned is that great mentors don't always have the best answers.

Often, they ask the best questions.

Instead of saying,

"Here's what you need to do,"

try asking,

"What do you think happened?"

"What would you do differently next time?"

"What are you most proud of?"

Questions encourage reflection.

Reflection leads to growth.

And growth lasts much longer than simply telling someone what to do.

Trust Creates Confidence

One of the most rewarding parts of helping younger athletes is watching their confidence grow.

When they know someone believes in them, they begin believing in themselves.

Sometimes they don't need a complicated solution.

Sometimes they just need someone who listens.

Someone who encourages them.

Someone who reminds them that setbacks are part of the journey.

That's the kind of leader I want to be.

The Mikatensity Philosophy

One of the core principles of Mikatensity is that leadership is built on relationships.

Relationships are built on trust.

And trust is built through character.

Before trying to change someone's performance, invest in the person.

Before offering advice, earn the opportunity to give it.

Before expecting someone to follow your leadership, show them through your actions why they should.

That's how lasting influence is created.

Start With Trust

Whether you're mentoring a younger athlete, leading a team, or simply helping a friend, remember this:

People don't need another person telling them what to do.

They need someone who genuinely cares.

Be consistent.

Be honest.

Be patient.

Listen more than you speak.

Build trust first.

The advice will come later.

And when it does, it will mean so much more.

Because leadership doesn't begin with having all the answers.

It begins with earning someone's trust.

About the Author

Mikaeel Ali Baig is an internationally ranked tennis player, author of MIKATENSITY: Be Better Than Yesterday, founder of Playe.org, and creator of the MIKATENSITY Leadership Hub. Through his experiences in international competition, leadership initiatives, and community impact, he shares lessons designed to help young athletes become better than yesterday.

Continue the Journey

If you enjoyed this lesson and want to explore more insights on leadership, resilience, discipline, sportsmanship, and personal growth, check out 📖 MIKATENSITY: Be Better Than Yesterday.

The book shares stories, lessons, and experiences from my journey through international competition and the mindset that continues to guide me every day.