The Currency of Trust in the Workplace
Trust is the invisible currency of every successful team, organization, and leader. When it’s present, things move faster, morale rises, and people feel psychologically safe. But when trust is broken—or missing altogether—it creates friction, skepticism, and disengagement that’s hard to overcome.
According to a 2023 Gallup study, only 21% of employees strongly agree that they trust their organization's leadership. That means nearly four out of five people walk into work with doubts about the people leading them—and likely about their coworkers too. Yikes!
What Is Trust in the Workplace?
In the simplest terms, trust is the belief that others are reliable, capable, and have good intentions. It’s the confidence that your leader will support you, your coworkers will follow through, and your team environment is one where it’s safe to speak up, contribute, and take calculated risks. Workplace trust isn’t built on titles, policies, or even tenure. It’s built moment by moment, action by action.
How Trust Is Lost
Trust is often lost in small, seemingly insignificant ways that compound over time. Take this example: imagine a leader who consistently tells their team they value work-life balance—but repeatedly schedules late meetings, responds to emails on weekends expecting replies, and rarely approves vacation requests without pushback. Over time, employees begin to doubt the sincerity behind the words. The manager may believe they’re being efficient or committed, but to the team, the message is clear: what’s said and what’s done don’t align.
Trust doesn’t need a dramatic betrayal to be broken. It often disappears through inconsistencies, missed commitments, or a lack of follow-through.
How to Build and Maintain Trust: The Three Virtues
Fortunately, trust can be built—and rebuilt—with intention. It takes more than a team-building exercise or a mission statement. It requires people to embody certain virtues in their everyday interactions. Let’s explore three essential ones:
1. Dependability “Do what you say you’ll do.”
Dependability is the foundation of trust. It’s about consistency and follow-through. When someone is dependable, their words and actions match. They meet deadlines, show up on time, keep promises, and hold themselves accountable when things don’t go as planned. You don’t have to be perfect to be dependable—you just have to be honest and committed. And if something prevents you from doing so, communicate early and clearly. Dependability is not about never dropping the ball; it's about how you respond when you do.
Consider this: Start by being more intentional with your commitments. Don’t overpromise. Under promise and overdeliver whenever possible.
2. Respectability “Let your work speak for itself.”
Respectability is about reputation—not just being liked, but being respected for the quality of your work. People are more likely to trust those they believe are competent and take their responsibilities seriously. Respectability doesn’t come from self-promotion; it comes from showing up, delivering well, and demonstrating care and pride in what you do. It’s the quiet confidence that earns admiration and builds influence.
Consider this: Focus on doing the small things well. Proofread your work. Finish what you start.
3. Believability “Confidence that connects.”
Believability is what makes others trust that you can and will get the job done. It’s about being credible—not just because of what you know, but how you communicate it. This doesn’t mean being boastful. It means speaking with clarity, showing conviction in your expertise, and demonstrating that you believe in yourself—because when you do, others will too. Believability is also about transparency; being honest about what you know, and humble enough to learn what you don’t.
Consider this: Speak with intention. When presenting an idea or giving feedback, explain the “why” behind it. Confidence paired with humility goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: Trust Takes Time, But It Starts Now
Building trust doesn’t require grand gestures—it requires small, consistent actions rooted in integrity. Practicing dependability, respectability, and believability helps cultivate the kind of workplace where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to do their best work. Trust may take time to earn, but it can be strengthened starting today—with every promise you keep, every task you take seriously, and every moment you choose to lead with credibility. Because in the end, trust isn’t just what holds teams together—it’s what moves them forward.
