Do people secretly not trust you in the workplace?
If so … you could be harming your long-term career prospects.
That's because trust is essential to getting hired, maintaining a job, growing relationships, and getting promoted.
And if you don’t seem to be included in strategic planning... or you get a sense that people are avoiding you...
Then that could be a sign you may have inadvertently broken (or not yet built) the trust you need to succeed.
Let's face it - there are some toxic, non-team players out there, but those people are not you.
You take the time to educate yourself through helpful blogs like this one.
You take time to read leadership books, ask for feedback, and (if I were to guess) care deeply about the work you put into the world.
But ... you could still be hurting your career by accident.
That’s because the way we approach our work can sometimes give off the wrong impression.
Especially since people can't read our minds.
Is this you? Find out below.
3 Surprising Ways You Might Be Causing People to Not Trust You
You Forget to Ask People How They Are Doing
If you’re in a rush or buried in work you may decide to send a quick IM with a question, shoot out an email, or jump into the middle of a thought in a meeting.
And people that know you well may understand that you are moving quickly and that this impersonal approach isn’t … well... personal.
However, most people want to be seen and heard (even if they don't realize it!).
This means taking a moment to ask how they are, engaging in small talk before getting down to business, and saying “good morning” before launching into your request.
This conscious effort will make a big difference in how people perceive your intentions.
And the extra "get to you know you" time will actually increase productivity because you'll be starting the work off from a place of familiarity.
You’re Inconsistent
When people can’t count on you, even for the small things, it can give you a reputation that you can’t be trusted for bigger things.
Or that they should just plan to be disappointed.
Don’t let this be you!
Some basic ways to maintain consistency are: following up when you said you were going to follow up, attending meetings on time, and not canceling your commitments last minute.
And, importantly, monitoring your approach to work.
Do you seem cheerful when times are good but blunt and frustrated when times are stressful?
Most people have a hard time understanding inconsistencies in our styles - and often take this personally.
The solution? Become aware of this habit. Then, find ways to relieve stress regularly. And finally, simply let someone know if you are under stress so that they don't have to guess why the fun-loving person they typically work with is out of the building today.
Presto, clarity and trust are underway.
You Don’t Tell People Anything About Yourself
In today’s workplace, people want to work with real people they know and trust.
This does not mean you need to dish out all the details of your personal life - that can read as unprofessional.
But what can you share?
Do you have a hobby, a passion, a family, a dream, a favorite sports team, or a fave-of-the-moment TV show? Then share that.
People can feel authenticity and this opportunity for connection creates trust.
Not a fan of small talk? Most of my clients are not.
But the reality is that small-talk must happen before "big" talks. And each moment of connection is a time you can build trust and understanding.
Let's build some trust this week!