Relationships are based on trust.  Trust builds over time.  This is why it’s so important to do things that build trust before onboarding, during your first 100-days, and on an ongoing basis.  This piece, part II of the Trust Trilogy looks at building trust during your first 100-days.

Under the micro-scope

In some ways, this is simple.  Be trustworthy.  It’s like you’re under a micro-scope.  Since you’re new, you have no track record, no history, no credibility.  Everything you say and do and don’t say and don’t do will be examined for any and all flaws and inconsistencies.  People will be looking for reasons not to trust you.  They will be comparing notes.

Pretend to be yourself

Treat this like one long interview.  There are no breaks.  No downtime.  You are always on.   There is no way you can “keep up appearances” for 100-days.  You will slip.  So, don’t try to keep up appearances.  Don’t try to spin anything.  Be yourself.  Be straight.  Be honest.  That way you won’t have to remember what you told anyone.

The key to building trust is to be trustworthy.  Start by trusting yourself.