Think of a really good friend . You guys met, then you talked, you found some things in common, you started doing those things together, etc, etc. That’s probably how you made a lot of your friends, and at some point, you realized that a close person had become close because you knew you could entrust them with a secret or two. You trusted your friend to keep your secrets and be dependable; they gave you that in return, and your bond grew stronger.

Ideally, your colleagues and your employer will do exactly the same — you just have to build their trust. Here’s how.

Do your job
That’s pretty explanatory — you’ve got a job, so do it. You can’t earn trust if your boss can’t trust you to perform the responsibilities you’ve already been given!

Show up early
Seriously, this is really hard for some people but it goes such a long way — it says you like what you do and you anticipate going every day. Instead of sauntering in when you know you’re supposed to be there, show up at 8:45 so you’re already rolling when your boss starts at 9. They may not say anything but they’ll notice.

Help your colleagues
Going for a coffee? Offer to pick them up one. See their printouts on the printer? Bring it to their desk. Having your colleagues appreciate you builds a strong team, generates friendships, and is important for your lifelong network. It also helps when you need to…

Ask your colleagues
You may be better than them, but they don’t have to know it. Plus, you don’t know everything. Ask them the odd question about something that they know more about; they’ll feel good, and you’ll learn. It always pays to know a little bit more about the business than your own job. Ask them about theirs so you can…

Fill the gap
I’m often sitting at my desk and another employee will come through looking for a colleague who has just stepped out. I fill the gap by trying my best to find out if I can help. If I can, I’ve saved them some time and helped them out; if I can’t, well, at least I tried. They’ll appreciate the extra effort.

Make it better
Innovate and energize your projects. Make them better than they were before. Raise the standards by taking what you did before and making it better, but slow down, partner, take it slow so you…

Don’t step on toes
Your boss asked you to do something. Do it. Make it better with small steps that may be unnoticeable at first, or that you can justify without threatening to make them look stupid. Same goes for anything that other colleagues do — don’t make enemies by outshining the person next to you. Make him like you by imparting a tip to his presentation like it’s a secret… sssshhhh.

Go for a drink
Ask a colleague or two to go for a drink after a hard day's work. Just don’t make it ten. I started off a trend by inviting just the coworkers in my department at my level, no higher (you can go lower), for a beer and the team became stronger, and we all began to trust each other a little more. When the boss found out, she was jealous and took the whole department for a beer. Good friends make a great team.

Treat your co-workers like your family
You might not like all of ‘em, but you’re stuck with ‘em — at least for now anyway. And if someone messes with ‘em, they’re going to have to answer to you personally. Just don’t break any pool cues.

Don’t tell secrets
We started this out on trust, and this is the biggest one — if someone tells you something personal, even if it’s not necessarily a secret, don’t tell anyone. Let them tell who ever they want. It’s not gossip; it’s breaking someone’s trust. A little bit of gossip is all in good fun, but make it about Lindsay Lohan or something — she likes it.

And last but not least... You don’t have to do it all the time, but be the last one out the door. It’s even better if you were first in the door as well. Plus, you might get enough done that tomorrow’s going to be a breeze! jp