Building Trust with SALT: What Not to Do

[Farjana Yeasmin]

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the power of genuine human connection. The SALT approach- Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn, Transfer- reminds us to slow down and truly engage with others. While focusing on developing these positive interactions, it’s equally important to recognize what not to do. Here I'm sharing some key "don'ts" while doing SALT that I've learned from 'Addressing Root Causes' cohort in Bangladesh. These practices are helping us to ensure that our efforts remain authentic and impactful at community levels. 

1. Don’t Advise

Have you ever had someone give you advice you didn’t ask for? It can feel dismissive, like they don’t trust you to handle your own life. In the SALT approach, advising is a no-no. Instead of telling people what to do, we listen actively and ask open-ended questions.

For example, if someone is struggling with a hygiene promotion initiative inside the community, instead of saying, "You should do this," ask, "What have you tried so far?" or "What do you think could work?" This way, they feel heard and empowered to find their own solutions.

2. Don’t Provide Material Support

At first glance, giving material support might seem helpful. But it can create dependency and distract from sustainable, community-driven solutions. Imagine visiting a village that needs clean water. Instead of installing a water pump ourselves, we can help the community identify local resources and skills to build their own. This not only solves the immediate problem but also strengthens their capacity to address future challenges.

3. Link with Opportunities -- But when?

Connecting communities with external opportunities can be beneficial, but it should come at the right moment. Rushing this process can disrupt the organic growth of local initiatives. For instance, in a community working to prevent child marriage, it’s essential to allow the community members to first come together, identify the challenges, and start developing their own strategies.

Once they have established a strong foundation and put forward a collective effort to prepare their own action plans and solutions, then we can introduce them to external resources, such as organizations specializing in child protection or legal aid services.

This ensures they are not dependent on others but are instead empowered to sustain their own initiatives and effectively advocate for their rights.

4. Don’t Teach, Learn from Them

The SALT approach emphasizes mutual learning. Think about the last time someone tried to teach you something without understanding your perspective. It can feel patronizing. Instead, approach every interaction as a learner.

For example, when working with a community on health initiatives, ask about their traditional practices and beliefs. By valuing their knowledge, we can build on existing strengths and foster mutual respect.

5. Connect as a Human, not as an NGO Worker or Service Provider

Building genuine relationships means connecting on a human level, beyond professional roles. Imagine visiting a community not as a representative of an organization but as a friend.

Share stories, laugh together, and show genuine interest in their lives. This breaks down barriers and builds trust. When people see you as a fellow human being, they’re more likely to open up and collaborate authentically.

6. Don’t Jump to Immediate Solutions

In our eagerness to help, it’s tempting to jump straight to solutions. In SALT, patience is crucial. Immediate solutions can overshadow the community's inner strengths and potential for collective action.

For example, if a village lacks access to clean water, rather than quickly installing a water pump, take the time to facilitate discussions among the community members. Rather, what if we help them identify their own resources and strengths, and guide them to develop a plan together!

This process of collective problem-solving not only leads to sustainable solutions but also empowers the community by reinforcing their capability to address future challenges on their own. By enabling them to discover and connect their inner strengths, we can facilitate long-term resilience and self-reliance.

The SALT approach is about fostering genuine and respectful relationships. By being mindful of what not to do, we can stay true to the essence of this approach, ensuring that our interactions are empowering and transformative. Through the approach we can transfer knowledge in ways that honor the potential within every community.

SALT reminds us that it’s not about what we bring to the table, but how we engage with those around it. By connecting as humans first, we create a space where everyone’s voice is heard, valued, and empowered.

[Santi rambari]

লেখাটি তথ‍্য উপাত্থ তে সমৃদ্ধ ছিল। অনেক ভালো লাগলো

[Farjana Yeasmin]

Huge thanks Sadia apu and Ritu. You both inspire me a lot! 

Please feel free to add more crucial points/ guides about SALT that might help us further. 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks for documenting these imp points Mafee. Love the pics;-)

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thanks a lot for sharing your learning with us. Hope everybody will be able to learn from here.