5 Behaviors to Show in the Workplace if You Want Your Boss to Trust You

You stroll into work every Monday and feel a prickle of anxiety because you’re just not sure what your boss thinks of you. Do they trust you, or do they secretly think you’re a slacker? Gaining your boss's trust is crucial if you want to advance in your career, so it’s no small ask, and should be a priority if you want to do well at work.

In a recent trust survey from PwC, 86% of executives said they highly trusted their employees. So the odds are in your favor. Still, silly mistakes like doing the bare minimum at work (even acting your wage by saying 'no' to extra effort), can keep you from rising to the top of the most-trusted employee list. Gossiping, seeking revenge on other co-workers, dishonesty and ignoring constructive criticism may also add to the tally against you.

Of course, you aren’t superhuman. If your boss has a difficult personality, or you don’t like your work environment, it may be challenging to take the high road and show a good attitude all the time. But if you're serious about your career, you need to put your best self forward for your own sake. Here are five behaviors  to show in the workplace that can set you up for success.

Behavior #1: Embrace open communication and ask questions.

It might seem like the best course of action to keep your ideas and struggles in the workplace to yourself, but open communication builds trust in any relationship. If you have questions about a project, you should ask rather than pretend you know what to do, only to go back and change things later.

If you have any limitations or lack experience in a particular area, be honest about it. Your boss will appreciate your transparency and (hopefully) give you pointers. It’s far better to admit you don’t know how to do something than to have your boss get angry with you for being dishonest later on.

Behavior #2: Take initiative and be proactive.

When you show you’re the type to take initiative, go the extra mile and be proactive about tasks, your boss will see you as a reliable, dependable employee. That doesn't mean being a “yes man”—it's more about taking your work seriously.

For example, if your boss gives you a non-negotiable deadline, don’t procrastinate. Get started on it immediately, and try to sort out where you might run into roadblocks so you have some problem-solving plans in place.

Another way to show initiative is to make sure nothing else needs to be done before leaving the office or taking an early lunch. And although it isn’t a requirement to volunteer for extra tasks, if you see an area where you could add value to your team (like leading the next employee team-building workshop), you may want to bring it up with your boss and volunteer your services.

A little foresight goes a long way. When you anticipate problems and solutions, your boss will appreciate that you thought of something ahead. This will help them trust your judgment, which may lead to less supervision and some opportunities to lead your team. 

Behavior #3: Acknowledge when your boss might be having a hard day.

According to Harvard Business Review, acknowledging emotions in the workplace is one of the best pathways to building trust. This may feel counterintuitive.  You might think it's better to stay out of your boss’s emotional state, because they are your superior. But showing empathy and saying, “I understand you must be feeling sad right now” helps them understand that you see them as more than just a rank in the corporate hierarchy.

This is a delicate balance. Don’t outright ask them what’s wrong if you feel you’d be overstepping a boundary. If they volunteer why they’re not their chipper self,  listen and offer a word of comfort. If they don’t say what happened, it may be enough to say, “I noticed that you seem frazzled right now.  Is there anything I can do to make your day a little easier?” It's a devilishly simple way to show you’re a team player.

Behavior #4: Admit when you make mistakes. Embrace honesty and humility.

You might use open communication when the going is good, but what about when you make a mistake at work? Do you throw another co-worker under the bus or avoid taking responsibility? These behaviors can stunt your growth at work and give you a reputation for being devious.

Instead, admit your mistakes to your boss. This shows that you have integrity and can take responsibility for your actions.  Your boss will appreciate your honesty and see that you’re willing to learn and grow from your mistakes. It also gives the team an opportunity to come together and solve a problem, rather than pointing fingers at one another.

Behavior #5: Stay consistent and respectful.

Consistency is vital to growth in the workplace. Your boss will not doubt your performance when you show up to work and put in consistent effort. If you’re inconsistent—occasionally late, missing deadlines, turning in work of unpredictable quality—your boss will never be sure whether today  will be a good or bad day for your performance. Inconsistency is disrespectful to your co-workers as well since they may have to carry extra responsibilities. And they will complain to your boss if they feel it’s going on often.

Respect goes hand-in-hand with consistent behavior. An occasional off day is okay; you’re human. But it’s best to communicate when you aren’t feeling yourself with your boss and fear your performance will suffer.

The takeaway 

There's always a lot to learn when you're new on the job, but building trust with your boss is one of the most important habits. Most bosses will take notice when you put in effort, are honest about your skills and limitations, and respect their time. This can only mean good things for your growth and development—and the odd mistake will not be nearly as big a deal if you have a trusting relationship with your boss. So really, what is there to lose? Take a deep breath, and be the best employee you can be.  Trust will follow.