Trust is about reliability and doing the right thing. It's also a big factor that will determine success in your job and your career -- especially in a rough business climate where your value as an employee is closely watched.Do your colleagues, subordinates, or superiors perceive you as trustworthy and honest? How do you perceive them? Trust is a characteristic that builds respect and loyalty as well as a supportive and safe work environment. Distrust increases tension and negative "on guard" behavior, which can erode the spirit of the team and ultimately productivity.Below are four steps to build trust in the workplace.1. Be Honest The first step in building trust is to be honest.* Tell the truth. Even small lies and twisted truths are still lies.* Share honest information, even if it's to your disadvantage.* Don't steal -- on expense reports, from the supply cabinet, or your colleagues.2. Use Good Judgment The second step is to know what information to share, when to share it, and when not to share it.* Protect employee's personal information, company or competitors' proprietary information as if it were your own.* Think twice before sharing a blunt, unsolicited judgment. Extreme honesty may hurt the recipient, ironically destroying trust and the safe environment.3. Communicate Persuasively*Develop an assertive style, backed with solid facts and examples, to focus others’ attention on your ideas and proposals. Try to adjust messages for your audience and always well-prepared.4. Be True to Yourself.*Stand firmly for your convictions in the face of personal pressure. When you know you’re right, you can’t back down. Always give others credit that is rightfully theirs. Don’t be afraid of those who might have a better idea or who might even be smarter than you are.Trust is a characteristic that builds respect and loyalty as well as a supportive and safe work environment.