Does Your Boss Deserve Your Trust?

Uncertainty has become a permanent feature of work. Restructuring, shifting priorities, internal politics and teams spread across locations make it harder to trust yourself, let alone the people you report to. When so much of your interaction with a boss happens through screens and scheduled calls, reading their intentions takes more effort than it once did.

During an executive coaching session, a client asked me a simple question: "How do I know if I can trust my boss?" We had spent weeks discussing behavioral patterns and interpersonal conduct. Her question stayed with me, because the answer shapes so much of a career.

I've lived every version of this relationship. I've had bosses I trusted completely, bosses I never trusted and many in between, both as a corporate executive and as an entrepreneur. Those experiences built my trust filter. It no longer surprises me, though it still disappoints me, when someone I admired turns against colleagues out of self-interest. Here are six signs that a boss has earned your trust.

1. They Communicate Transparently

Transparent leaders make it easier for people to listen, learn and avoid mistakes. When your boss welcomes open dialogue, you feel safe to speak up because there are no hidden agendas.

One of my early bosses eventually became one of my best friends. At work, it was all about the responsibilities in front of us. Outside of work, we talked about our families and enjoyed each other's company. She was a master at separating the two, and our friendship never compromised our working relationship. That kind of clarity is a sign of integrity.

2. They Welcome Honest Feedback

Trustworthy leaders want to keep improving, so they invite feedback without conditions. They don't use their title to limit your voice. They give you one, regardless of where you sit on the organizational chart.

If your boss welcomes feedback, trust them and yourself enough to give it. Holding back can cost you, because they may lose confidence in you if you don't engage. Over time, this kind of leader will come to you for advice.

3. They Want You to Be Yourself

Trustworthy leaders empower you to take risks and don't punish well-intentioned failures. They coach you, but they don't expect you to become a replica of them.

I once watched a colleague try to get ahead by becoming a copy of her boss. She adopted the same speech, style and even meeting behavior. Instead of correcting it, her boss enjoyed the flattery and began to micromanage her. My colleague lost her identity, frustrated her peers and eventually lost the momentum she had worked so hard to build. A leader who rewards imitation over individuality is not looking out for you.

4. They Build Leaders, Not Followers

A boss you can trust is not threatened by your success. They share what made them successful and find satisfaction in your growth. They don't steal the spotlight, and they don't hoard the knowledge that helped them rise. Instead, they are intentional about enabling your full potential, even when it means you may one day outgrow the role they gave you. They measure their own leadership by how many people they have helped move forward.

I was fortunate to have two bosses like this early in my career. They saw my potential and nurtured my raw talent. Rather than limiting me, they gave me elevated responsibilities that showcased what I could do. I am still grateful, because they taught me to always act in the best interest of the healthier whole.

5. They Invest in the Relationship

When a boss consistently does the first four things, they have committed to you for the long term. This is the point where they begin to sponsor your career. They have your back and help you navigate your path forward. When they have decided to trust you, you can feel safe trusting them.

6. They Behave Consistently

Consistency is the ultimate test. A boss who shows the first five behaviors only when it's convenient hasn't earned your trust. When the behavior is steady, the relationship feels natural, and you understand why people gravitate toward them. That leader becomes the standard for every working relationship you have. It's the same principle behind being accountable to be accountable.

Put It to the Test

Ask yourself these questions about the person you report to:

• Do I know where they stand, or do I spend energy guessing at their agenda?
• When I've offered honest feedback, how did they respond?
• Are they encouraging my individuality, or rewarding people who mirror them?
• Have they ever created an opportunity for me that benefited me more than them?
• Is their behavior the same under pressure as it is in calm times?

A trustworthy boss is one of the most rewarding assets in any career. A boss who can't be trusted will stall your development and set you back years. You always have a choice. Make it with open eyes.

Want to explore these ideas further? Learn more about my work on leadership, identity and conviction at www.theglennllopis.com.