How to Build Trust In The Workplace

Trust is about reliability and doing the right thing. It's also a big factor that will determine success in your job and your career -- especially in a rough business climate where your value as an employee is closely watched.

Do your colleagues, subordinates, or superiors perceive you as trustworthy and honest? How do you perceive them? Trust is a characteristic that builds respect and loyalty as well as a supportive and safe work environment. Distrust increases tension and negative "on guard" behavior, which can erode the spirit of the team and ultimately productivity.

Below are five steps to build trust in the workplace:

Step 1: Be Honest

- The first step in building trust is to be honest.

- Tell the truth. Even small lies and twisted truths are still lies.

- Share honest information, even if it's to your disadvantage.

- Don't steal -- on expense reports, from the supply cabinet, or your colleagues.

Step 2: Use Good Judgment

- Knowing what information to share, when to share it, and when not to share it.

- Protect employee's personal information, company or competitors' proprietary information.

- Think twice before sharing a unsolicited judgment.

- Don't expect apologies to erase your wrongdoings.

- Avoid "just between us" secret conversations unless necessary to the benefit of the company.

Step 3: Be Consistent

- Show up -- every day and on time -- and stay at least the required hours.

- Do the work; meet or exceed the job description and company standards.

- Do what you say you will do. Fulfill your promises.

Step 4: Be Honest in Nonverbal Communications

- Look others in the eye with comfortable and direct eye contact.

- Exhibit open body language

Step 5: Have a Mutually Beneficial Attitude

- Avoid me, me, me. Genuinely care about others and promote we, we, we.

- Nurture mutually beneficial relationships with open communications.

- Willingly accept information and constructive critique.