How to Earn Trust at Work: 10 Professional Habits That Build Credibility

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Trust is one of those things that everyone wants. “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships,” says Stephen M.R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust–The One Things That Changes Everything.

So, how do you get trust? We know we can’t shortcut it, demand it, or sprinkle it into a meeting agenda and hope for the best.

Trust is earned—consistently, and, most often, through small moments. Whether you’re leading a team, working cross-functionally, or building stronger client relationships, trust is the foundation of high-performing professional relationships. Here are 10 simple (but powerful) habits that help you earn it.

1. Start by Extending Trust to Others

One of the fastest ways to earn trust is to give it first. Trust always involves a risk, but when you lead with trust—delegating, empowering, and believing in people—you show confidence in them. That confidence demonstrates trust in others.

2. Show Genuine Caring

People trust leaders and colleagues who genuinely care. When someone feels like you have their best interests in mind, trust builds naturally. Learn what matters to others—their goals, values, and motivations—and look for real ways to support them.

3. Align Your Actions With Your Values

Trust unravels when your values sound great, but your behaviors don’t match. People pay attention to what you do, not just what you say you believe in. Even small inconsistencies create doubt and confusion over time.

4. Keep Your Word (Every Time)

This one sounds obvious, but it’s where trust is won or lost. Show up when you say you will. Deliver what you commit to. Protect confidential information. And when something truly can’t happen, communicate early and bring options—not excuses.

5. Share Information Instead of Holding It

Trust grows faster when people feel like they’re “in the loop.” Sharing information—especially when it’s sensitive or important—signals openness and partnership. It creates a sense of we’re in this together, which is a huge trust-builder on any team.

6. Talk Straight

Clear, honest communication builds professional confidence. This doesn’t mean being harsh—it means being real. Use simple language, share the full story (even when it’s bad news), let people know where you stand, and avoid creating false impressions. People trust what feels transparent.

7. Give Feedback—and Ask for It Too

Feedback is one of the most underrated trust accelerators. Give positive feedback to reinforce behaviors and outcomes you want. Give Instructive feedback when you see a problem or something that needs improvement. When you can give and receive feedback in a calm, objective way, people see you as credible, emotionally grounded, and committed to improving—not blaming.

8. Own Mistakes Quickly

No one expects perfection. But people do expect accountability. When you make a mistake, admit it promptly, explain what went wrong, and share what you’ll do differently next time. This strengthens integrity and shows maturity. When you show a willingness to get better, others will follow your example.

9. Be Consistent and Predictable

Trust isn’t just about big moments—it’s about how safe people feel around you day to day. When you’re consistent, others don’t have to guess how you’ll respond. That predictability creates stability, which makes trust easier to build.

10. Stay Positive and Fair

Trust grows when people believe you’ll treat them fairly—even when it’s inconvenient. Evaluate ideas based on merit, not personalities. Stay impartial, stay open-minded, and keep things constructive. A reputation for fairness is one of the strongest trust signals there is.

The Bottom Line

Earning trust isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about reliable habits.

When you trust others, communicate clearly, follow through consistently, and treat people with fairness and respect, trust becomes something you build naturally over time.

And when trust is strong? Everything works better: teamwork, communication, performance, and progress.

Want to Improve Your Abilities to Build and Maintain Trust?

Consider taking an online, self-paced course on FranklinCovey Academy, where you can access the same kind of professional development content that Fortune 500 companies get from FranklinCovey. The Speed of Trust course will equip you with the mindset, skillset, and toolset for achieving high-trust and getting ahead in your career.

When you take a course on FranklinCovey Academy, you also get a personal coach to help you learn and apply new skills, complete the course, and get an industry-recognized FranklinCovey Certificate.

FranklinCovey is the world’s most trusted provider of leadership solutions that unleash the potential of leaders and teams.

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