Trust Comes From the HEART

I made a costly error and tried to hide it out of fear of losing my job. It didn't work, I got caught, and now I'm on probation. My boss said everybody makes mistakes but not everybody tries to hide them and that was my biggest mistake. Now, not only do I have to prove that I can do the job without making any more big screw-ups, I also have to earn back the trust that was lost through my attempted cover up. I've figured out ways to improve my accuracy and prevent future errors, but I don't know how to go about regaining my boss' trust.

Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship. When trust gets broken, it takes time and a great deal of effort to rebuild. Trust comes from the HEART, and at the HEART of every trusting relationship are:

Honesty: Honesty is crucial to developing trust. Tell the truth even when the truth might get you in trouble. Hiding, spinning, or sugar coating the truth just compounds the problem when the truth comes out which, as you well know, it inevitably does. Show your boss that you can be counted on to "tell it like it is."

Ethics: Be principled and act with integrity. Do the right thing. Honor your commitments with everyone — customers, co-workers, your boss — and don't obligate yourself in the first place if it's unlikely you can follow through. Treat people fairly and give them the benefit of the doubt. Don't gossip or try to make yourself look good by pointing out the flaws of others.

Accountability: Hold yourself accountable. Say what you'll do and do what you say. Don't get defensive or make excuses when problems are brought to your attention. Take responsibility for and correct mistakes; no blaming or finger-pointing. Apologize when you know you should.

Respect: Treat each person with dignity regardless of their role or position. Give credit where credit is due, show appreciation and recognize a job well done. Keep private information private. Talk with people, not about them.

Transparency: Share your thoughts and ideas, and invite other viewpoints. Address issues openly before they become problems. No game playing or using smoke screens to avoid responsibility.

A wise person once said, "It takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it." Put your trust in the HEART approach and be patient.