Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Here's how you can earn your boss's trust and confidence in your abilities.

Earning your boss's trust and confidence is crucial for your professional growth and success. It's about proving your reliability, showcasing your skills, and aligning your objectives with those of your organization. Whether you're new to the team or looking to strengthen your existing relationship with your superior, understanding the strategic steps to build this trust is key. Strategic communications play a pivotal role in this process, as they help you articulate your thoughts clearly, demonstrate your competence, and ensure that you're both on the same page regarding goals and expectations.

1 Build Rapport

Building a strong rapport with your boss is the foundation of trust. Start by engaging in regular, open communication. Share updates on your projects, ask for feedback, and express interest in their goals and challenges. Show empathy and understanding towards the pressures they face. By doing so, you create a mutual respect that serves as a basis for a trusting relationship. Remember, trust is a two-way street; be genuine in your interactions and listen actively when they speak. This establishes you as both approachable and invested in a collaborative working relationship.

Add your perspective

2 Show Initiative

Taking initiative demonstrates your commitment and confidence in your abilities. Don't wait for instructions for every task; instead, use your judgment to start projects or solve problems that align with your boss's objectives. When you show that you can think ahead and proactively address issues, your boss is likely to trust your decision-making skills. Make sure to communicate your actions and rationale, so they understand your thought process and can provide guidance if necessary. This proactive approach shows that you're not just an executor of tasks but a strategic thinker.

Add your perspective

Jacques Arsenault

Strategic Communications Leader | Problem Solver | Connector | Coach | Mentor
Report contribution
One key with any new boss is to ask them about their priorities. What do they value, and in particular, what is something they want to move forward on but don't have the time and capacity. Once you have their answer, that's a perfect item for you to execute and deliver on (as long as you're not dropping your other responsibilities to do it). It shows you're proactive, a problem-solver, and aligned with your boss's needs and priorities.

Like

3 Deliver Results

Consistently delivering quality work is the most tangible way to earn trust. Meet deadlines, pay attention to detail, and ensure your work meets or exceeds expectations. When you're reliable in your output, it reassures your boss that they can depend on you. If you encounter obstacles, communicate them early and propose solutions. This not only shows responsibility but also that you're capable of handling challenges without constant supervision. Over time, your track record of results will solidify your boss's confidence in your abilities.

Add your perspective

4 Be Transparent

Transparency is key in any relationship, especially with your boss. If you make a mistake, own up to it immediately and outline how you plan to rectify it. This honesty goes a long way in building trust. Also, be transparent about your workload and capabilities. If you're overwhelmed, discuss it before it affects your performance. By being open about what you can realistically achieve, you help set achievable expectations and prevent any miscommunication that could erode trust.

Add your perspective

Asif Mahmud

Development Worker | Project Management | PR & Strategic Communications
Report contribution
This works for me. If I am transparent with my boss, s/he actually can see my realities in different situations. This helps more in times of crises and emergencies.

Like

5 Seek Feedback

Actively seeking feedback demonstrates your desire to improve and succeed. It shows that you value your boss's opinion and are committed to personal and professional development. When you receive feedback, listen attentively, and take action on it. This illustrates that you're not just paying lip service but are genuinely interested in learning and growing. By regularly checking in and adjusting your performance based on feedback, you reinforce your boss's belief in your dedication to excellence.

Add your perspective

6 Align Goals

Lastly, ensure that your goals are aligned with those of your boss and the organization. Understand their vision and how your role contributes to the wider objectives. Communicate how your work supports these goals and be adaptable to changing priorities. When your boss sees that you're working towards common objectives, they'll be more likely to trust you with important tasks and decisions. This alignment not only fosters trust but also positions you as a key player in the success of the team.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can earn your boss's trust and confidence in your abilities.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Rapport

2 Show Initiative

3 Deliver Results

4 Be Transparent

5 Seek Feedback

6 Align Goals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategic Communications

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Strategic Communications

More relevant reading

Here's how you can earn your boss's trust and confidence in your abilities.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Rapport

2 Show Initiative

3 Deliver Results

4 Be Transparent

5 Seek Feedback

6 Align Goals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategic Communications

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills