A person’s qualifications or experience alone are not enough to prove their competence or excellence in a job. What truly matters is how they interact with others, the respect they give and the value they place on people. These factors are what determine a person’s effectiveness at work and whether they are someone others can truly trust.
Here are some key signs that show you are a trustworthy person in the workplace:
Listen with Full Attention: In any conversation, the body reveals whether we are genuinely listening. Eye contact, a slight lean forward and subtle nodding are all signs of active listening. These nonverbal cues help calm the other person’s limbic system, reduce emotional distance and promote openness. Being willing to truly listen to someone significantly increases the chances that they will trust you.
Accept and Value Others: Warmth is not just about friendliness-it is also about recognizing and respecting others. Acknowledge others’ good work with genuine praise, clear away anxieties with reassurance and offer meaningful gratitude to your coworkers. When you recognize someone’s contribution, it activates the brain’s oxytocin-related neural circuits, which strengthen bonding and trust.
Focus on the Other Person in Conversations: Even when sharing your own experiences or ideas, make sure to ask questions and give space for others to speak about their thoughts and experiences. Research shows people view conversations more positively when they feel heard. This kind of behavior is strongly linked to increased perceptions of trust and likability.
Be Approachable and Easy to Connect With: Being someone others feel comfortable approaching is no small matter. A smiling face, a calm voice and a non-threatening presence help reduce stress hormones like cortisol in others and encourage gentle, open behavior. Warm gestures like smiling when greeting a colleague or using appropriate humor make you seem more likable and trustworthy.
Never Dismiss Small Acts: Small gestures-like remembering a coworker’s birthday or offering help without being asked can make a big difference in how others perceive you. These actions strengthen relationships and build a solid foundation of trust.
