Recognizing when your boss doesn’t trust you and how to improve the situation is vital for your success. If left unchecked, this lack of trust can lead to a strained relationship with your boss, which can have long-term consequences in terms of career growth and opportunities.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to repair the relationship and build their trust in you. This article will discuss seven key signs that your boss does not trust you and practical tips on addressing these issues head-on.
What are the seven signs your boss doesn’t trust you?
1. Your boss micro-manages you.
If your boss is constantly looking over your shoulder and second-guessing your every move, it’s clear that they don’t trust you to do your job. This can be extremely frustrating and may make you feel like you’re not good enough. If your boss is micro-managing you, the best thing you can do is have a conversation with them about it. Let them know how it makes you feel, and ask for their feedback on what you can do to improve.
2. Your boss excludes you from important meetings.
If there are important meetings that you’re not invited to, it could be a sign that your boss doesn’t trust you. If this is the case, try asking to be included in future meetings or offering your input on decisions being made.
3. Your boss doesn’t provide support
A lack of support is one of the most common signs that your boss does not trust you. This could include not offering help when you are stuck on a project, not providing feedback or guidance on improving your work, or simply being unavailable to answer questions. This lack of support can be highly discouraging. It makes you feel like your boss doesn’t value your work or opinion. To combat this, try to reach out and ask for help when needed and be proactive in taking the initiative on projects.
4. Your boss constantly criticizes you.
If your boss is always finding fault with your work, it may be because they don’t trust you to do things the right way. This can be highly demoralizing and may make you feel like giving up altogether. Talk to your boss about their concerns and see if there are ways you can address them.
5. You feel like an outsider in the office.
If you feel like an outsider in the office, it may be because your boss doesn’t trust you enough to let you in on important information or projects. This can make you feel isolated and left out, impacting your work performance and mental health. If this is the case, try talking to your boss about why they don’t seem to trust you. Look for ways you can do to change their mind.
6. Your boss never delegates tasks to you.
Another sign that your boss doesn’t trust you is if they never delegate tasks to you. If your boss is always doing everything themselves or only delegating the simplest tasks, they don’t trust you. You can build trust by asking for more responsibility and proving that you can handle it.
7. You need their permission before acting
If your boss requires permission before you take action, it indicates that they don’t trust you and your abilities. This lack of trust can be detrimental to your career and personal growth. Being constantly told what to do and asking for permission before taking any action can make you feel like you’re incapable of making your own decisions. If this is the case, try talking to your boss and asking for more autonomy.
Building trust with anyone takes time and effort. However, having an untrusting boss makes things even more challenging since their opinion carries so much weight at work. The good news is that we can bridge this gap. Communication, taking the initiative, staying professional, and accepting constructive feedback will build trust with your boss.
