Building Trust
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The importance of professional behavior in the workplace cannot be undermined. On this page, you will find a summary of the key steps for professional behavior, including prioritizing and completing tasks on time, proactive communication, delivering quality output, reliability and consistency, and taking initiative and ownership. Examples of actions to take for each step include meeting deadlines, proactively communicating with managers, delivering high-quality work, being reliable and consistent in performance, and going above and beyond assigned tasks. We also identify roles where these behaviors are important, such as program managers, marketing managers, financial overseers, IT team leads, and operations managers.
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Building Trust: 5 Steps for New Team Members to Earn Their Manager's Confidence
As a new team member, one of the most important aspects of your professional journey is building trust with your manager. Trust is the foundation of any successful working relationship, and it is earned through consistent actions and behaviors that demonstrate your reliability, competence, and commitment to your work. Building trust takes time and effort, but it is an investment that pays off in the long run.
Step 1: Task Orientation
Starting with a strong foundation of reliability, focus on completing your assigned tasks with accuracy and timeliness. By consistently meeting deadlines and delivering quality work, you establish yourself as a dependable team member who can be relied upon.
Example roles where Task Orientation is important
Project Coordinator: Manages and organizes project tasks to ensure they are completed accurately and on time.
Data Analyst: Collects, analyzes, and interprets data to make data-driven decisions.
Quality Assurance Specialist: Ensures products or services meet required quality standards before release.
Administrative Assistant: Manages administrative tasks to support smooth office operations.
Customer Service Representative: Provides prompt and satisfactory support to customers to address inquiries or issues.
Prioritize and complete tasks on time: Make sure to understand your assigned tasks and deadlines, and prioritize them accordingly. Focus on completing tasks accurately and within the given timelines. Avoid procrastination and communicate any challenges or delays proactively to your manager.
For Example: If you are tasked with preparing a report, ensure that you gather all the necessary information, conduct thorough research, and deliver the report by the agreed-upon deadline.
Seek clarifications when needed: If you are unclear about any task or instruction, don't hesitate to seek clarifications from your manager or colleagues. It's better to ask questions upfront than to make assumptions and risk errors or delays.
For Example: If you are given a new project to work on, but the requirements are not clear, take the initiative to request a meeting with your manager to seek clarifications and ensure you have a clear understanding of the expectations.
Double-check your work for accuracy: Take the time to review your work and ensure it is accurate, error-free, and meets the required quality standards. Avoid rushing through tasks or submitting incomplete or sloppy work.
For Example: Before submitting a presentation to your manager for review, review all the slides, check for typos, factual errors, and ensure that all the information is presented clearly and concisely.
Communicate progress and status updates: Keep your manager informed about the progress of your tasks. Provide regular status updates, especially if there are any changes, delays, or challenges. Be honest and transparent in your communication.
For Example: If you are working on a long-term project, provide regular updates to your manager on the milestones achieved, any roadblocks encountered, and the expected timeline for completion.
Step 2: Proactive Communication
Take initiative to communicate proactively with your manager. Keep them informed about the progress of your tasks, any challenges you encounter, and seek feedback. This shows your willingness to collaborate, be transparent, and keep your manager in the loop.
Example roles where Proactive Communication is important
Project Manager: Coordinates and manages projects, including proactive communication with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
Marketing Coordinator: Coordinates marketing initiatives, including proactive communication with team members, agencies, and stakeholders.
Public Relations Specialist: Handles communication and media relations, including proactive outreach to media outlets and stakeholders.
Account Manager: Manages client accounts, including proactive communication to ensure client satisfaction and relationship building.
IT Support Specialist: Provides technical support and assistance to users, including proactive communication to troubleshoot issues, provide updates, and address concerns.
Provide regular progress updates: Keep your manager informed about the progress of your tasks by providing regular updates. This can be through email, status reports, or in-person meetings. Share the progress made, highlight any completed milestones, and mention any challenges you may have encountered. Be proactive in communicating your progress, even if not explicitly asked for updates.
Share challenges and proposed solutions: Be transparent about any challenges you encounter in your tasks and share potential solutions or strategies you have devised to overcome them. This shows your proactive approach in problem-solving and your willingness to collaborate with your manager to find solutions.
For example: If you are facing technical difficulties in completing a task, communicate the issue to your manager and suggest possible solutions or seek their input on resolving the challenge.
Anticipate and address potential issues: Proactively identify potential issues that may arise in your tasks and take steps to address them before they become problems.
For example: If you foresee a delay in completing a task due to limited resources, communicate this to your manager in advance and propose alternative solutions or mitigation strategies.
Seek feedback: Request feedback from your manager on your work, and actively incorporate their feedback into your tasks. Show your willingness to receive constructive criticism and improve your work.
For example: After completing a presentation, ask your manager for feedback on the content, delivery, and overall effectiveness of the presentation, and make necessary adjustments based on their input.
Step 3: Quality Output
Consistently deliver high-quality work that meets or exceeds expectations. By demonstrating your competence and expertise in your role, you show your commitment to producing results that are valuable to the team and organization.
Example roles where Quality Output is important
Program Manager: Ensuring that projects are executed with high quality by setting clear expectations, monitoring progress, and managing resources effectively to deliver successful outcomes.
Content Writer: Creating engaging, error-free, and well-written content, such as articles, blog posts, and social media updates, to attract and retain readers or customers.
Software Developer: Developing efficient, bug-free, and user-friendly software code that meets requirements and expectations for reliable software applications.
Graphic Designer: Designing visually appealing and professional graphics, such as logos, brochures, and websites, that communicate effectively and reflect the brand's image.
Quality Assurance Specialist: Conducting thorough testing and inspection of products or services to identify and address any defects, issues, or discrepancies, ensuring that the final deliverables meet or exceed established quality standards.
Conduct in-depth research and analysis: Use reputable sources, gather accurate data, and analyze information thoroughly to ensure the quality and reliability of your work. Fact-check information, validate data, and cross-reference sources to produce high-quality output.
For Example: If you are tasked with creating a market research report, conduct thorough research using reliable sources such as industry reports, academic journals, and reputable websites. Validate data from multiple sources, analyze findings critically, and ensure that your report is based on accurate and credible information.
Seek feedback and incorporate it: Proactively seek feedback from your manager or stakeholders on your work, and take steps to incorporate their suggestions or comments to improve the quality of your output. Be open to constructive criticism and show a willingness to learn and adapt.
For Example: Request feedback from your manager on a draft of a project proposal you have prepared. Listen attentively to their suggestions and comments, and make necessary revisions to improve the clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of your proposal.
Review and revise: Set aside time for thorough review and revision of your work to ensure it meets or exceeds the expected quality standards. This may include reviewing drafts, revising content, testing functionality, and validating accuracy.
For Example: If you are developing a website, thoroughly review all the pages for consistency in design, layout, and content. Test all the links, forms, and interactive elements to ensure they are functioning correctly. Revise and polish the website until it meets the quality standards and requirements set by your manager or stakeholders.
Meet or exceed deadlines: Deliver your work on time or ahead of schedule to demonstrate your reliability and commitment to producing high-quality output. Avoid last-minute rush jobs that may compromise the quality of your work.
For Example: If you are assigned to create a monthly report, make sure to manage your time effectively and meet the deadline set by your manager. If possible, deliver the report a day or two before the deadline to allow for review and revisions, if needed.
Step 4: Reliability and Consistency
Consistently fulfill your commitments, meet deadlines, and keep your promises. Reliability and consistency in your work build confidence in your manager that they can depend on you to consistently deliver results.
Example roles where Reliability and Consistency is important
Portfolio Manager: Ensures management of program portfolios, monitors performance, mitigates risks, and communicates updates to clients and stakeholders.
Marketing Manager: Drives execution of marketing strategies, manages campaigns, analyzes results, and adapts approaches to achieve business goals.
Financial Overseer: Maintains oversight of financial operations, manages budgets, tracks expenses, and provides financial reporting and analysis to support informed decision-making.
IT Team Lead: Provides leadership to an IT team, assigns tasks, monitors progress, ensures quality output, and fosters effective communication and collaboration within the team.
Operations Manager: Ensures management of operations, oversees processes, monitors performance, identifies and addresses issues, and implements improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Meeting deadlines consistently and proactively communicating any potential delays or challenges: This includes submitting reports or deliverables on time and providing regular updates on progress towards completion.
For Example: If you are tasked with submitting a weekly status report, ensuring that it is submitted every Friday by 5 pm and informing your manager if you encounter any issues or delays. This shows your commitment to meeting deadlines and being proactive in addressing any challenges that may arise.
Being punctual, dependable, and responsive: This involves attending meetings promptly, being well-prepared, and promptly replying to emails or messages.
For Examples: Arriving on time for team meetings, being prepared with relevant information and contributions, and promptly responding to emails or messages from your manager or stakeholders. This demonstrates your respect for others' time and your commitment to timely and effective communication.
Maintaining consistent performance and delivering high-quality work: This includes consistently producing work of high quality that meets or exceeds expectations.
For Example: Consistently delivering error-free reports, meeting or exceeding performance targets, and consistently providing accurate and reliable information to your manager or stakeholders. This shows your commitment to excellence and your ability to consistently produce work of high standards.
Following through on commitments and keeping promises: This involves keeping your word and following through on commitments made to your manager or stakeholders.
For Example: If you promise to complete a task by a certain deadline or provide information by a specific time, ensure that you fulfill that commitment. This demonstrates your reliability and integrity in keeping promises and honoring commitments.
Step 5: Initiative and Ownership
Go above and beyond your assigned tasks by taking initiative, seeking opportunities to contribute, and taking ownership of your work. Demonstrate a proactive and accountable approach, showing your commitment to the team's success and the organization's goals. Download our free graphic of a team member taking initiative and ownership with a rocket or a raised flag to symbolize proactive approach and ownership.
Example roles where Initiative and Ownership is important
Program Director: Oversee and lead the planning, execution, and success of programs, ensuring strategic initiatives are achieved.
Director of Sales: Develop and implement sales strategies, lead sales teams, and achieve revenue targets.
Director of Operations: Manage and optimize operations, processes, and resources to achieve operational excellence and drive business results.
Director of Product Management: Drive product strategy, development, and innovation, and lead cross-functional teams to bring products to market.
Director of Business Development: Identify, evaluate, and pursue new business opportunities, negotiate partnerships and contracts, and drive revenue growth.
Identify and propose solutions to challenges: Instead of waiting for problems to escalate, take initiative to identify and propose solutions to challenges that arise in your work or projects.
For example: If you encounter an obstacle that could impact the timely delivery of a project, proactively communicate the issue to your manager along with potential solutions to address it.
Volunteer for additional tasks or projects: Seek opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned tasks by volunteering for additional tasks or projects. This could involve taking on extra responsibilities or stepping up when team members are unavailable.
For example: If you notice that a team is struggling with a workload, offer to help out by taking on some of the tasks or responsibilities. This demonstrates your willingness to go above and beyond your assigned duties and show initiative in supporting the team.
Go beyond your job description: Look for ways to contribute beyond your job description by taking on additional responsibilities or projects that align with your skills and expertise.
For example, if you have expertise in social media marketing and notice an opportunity to improve the organization's social media presence, offer to take the lead and implement strategies to enhance the company's online presence.
Share knowledge and best practices: Take ownership of your expertise by sharing knowledge and best practices with your team or colleagues. This could involve conducting training sessions, writing knowledge base articles, or offering guidance to team members who may benefit from your expertise. This demonstrates your proactive approach towards helping others and contributing to the collective knowledge of the team or organization.