1. Keep Your Promises
   If you can't keep a promise, then don't make it in the first place - it is a big negative emotion being let down in this way.
   
   
2. Never Tell Lies
   Why would you? And if you have to, it's much, much more about you. Your people will really lose faith in you fast.
   
   
3. Keep Confidences
   Sometimes people will tell you things that they don't want broadcast - they need you to hear them sometimes. But keep it to yourself. Do not be the instigator of gossip and rumour.
   
   
4. Communicate as Fully as Possible
   Keep as little from your people as you can. Communicate as openly as possible. Sometimes you have to hold some information back - it happens, but think really carefully about it.
   
   
5. Have No Favourites
   Treat all of your people equally and show no favourites. I know this is tough - I found it tough, but it needs to
   
   
   be right. Have agreed principles and standards that everyone works to - sorry, but no exceptions.
   
   
6. Challenge the Behaviour - Not the Person
   People make mistakes, do things wrong and need to be told. It's the thing they did, not the person they are. "You're useless", is not a good way to build trust, but, "That wasn't what I would expect of you usually, tell me more about what happened", works better.
   
   
7. Follow Through
   If you say you are going to do something. Do it! Your people will love that you do what you say (or apologise at least if you find you can't). And it sets a great example.
   
   
8. Listen Attentively
   There's a whole piece about this, but safe to say if you don't pay attention to people fully, they will not trust you. It's rude and it diminishes the relationship.
   
   
9. Forgive Mistakes
   Be generous. It is a value-creating action. People hate to get things wrong - they expect a 'bollocking' (as they say!). Help them with a learning from the mistake. "What might you do next time?", is far more valuable.
   
   
10. Don't Talk Behind Backs
    If you do this with anyone, they will always wonder what you say about them when they aren't there - and what are they saying about you - it's a bad habit.
    

About the Author

© 2005 Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide, mainly by phone, with small business owners, managers and corporate leaders. He has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website, www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com. (Note to editors. Feel free to use this article, wherever you think it might be of value - with a live link if you can).