Being new to an organization or new role can be an exciting time. Your energy and engagement levels are very high and if you found your job instead of settling on any job out there (EP 228-231), you likely have high hopes for your future with the company. 

The transition and onboarding time can also be stressful as you want to show your worth with others and quickly build trust with the new team and leaders. 

Let the Values and your ethics guide you

Nearly all established organizations have some form of values that they claim to adhere to. Great companies live those out and are intentional in keeping their Values front of mind with their people. At other companies, the Values may just be another decoration on the wall. Regardless of how deeply tied to their Values they may be, they are giving you a roadmap to build trust and credibility quickly. 

Let your work and actions show your alignment with the Values and live them out in your daily routine. I also find it helpful to begin inserting the Values into my work vernacular to help me stay intentional in alignment and subtlely show others, my values, and ethics. Even today as I coach leaders across the US, I try to tie in their Values to conversations. 

Standing up for what is right is another way here to help build trust and credibility. It’s more tempting as you try to find your place on the team to compromise a little in order to fit in and to please a consensus. Hold to your ethics to grow long-term trust with others. 

Sometimes silence builds more credibility

It can be tempting to want to speak up a lot as a new person. Besides, they hired you for a reason and to be an expert or thought leader in your assigned area. The caution with always having something to say, especially as a new person, is that you may come across as trying to push your own agenda or perspective.  

Lean into your active listening skills and have the self-awareness to know when you should, and shouldn’t, share. You can build trust and credibility by being a trusted ear where people feel like they can be heard and their input is valued. 

Remember that trust takes time

You know how trustworthy you are, but it’s going to take some time to earn that trust with others. Here are some quick tips as you long-term trust with others. 

• Deliver on your word. If you make a promise, others know that it will come into reality.
• Always be on time. Meetings, deadlines, tasks, and projects. A great way to build credibility incredibility fast is to show consistency by beating deadlines. 
• Trust others. Giving trust to others is an important part of receiving it as well. 
• Embrace accountability in yourself as you make mistakes. Take ownership, ask for forgiveness where needed and move forward. 

How leaders can help

So maybe you are not new, but you are a leader of someone that is new to the organization or in their current role. Support their growth by helping them highlight these tips and behaviors in their work and interactions with others.  Check-in with them to see how they feel their relationship-building efforts are going as they earn the trust of others. 

Building trust is critical to your success in your role, but it’s not something that you can transactionally obtain. It must be earned from those around you. If you take a misstep in this area, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. (ep 174). Keep making progress as you build trust with others. Both you and the other person will benefit. 

Make a better tomorrow. 
-ZH