The first step to gaining someone's trust is to become one of their closest friends. People will only trust the ones closest to them. Be there for them during their tough times. If something tragic happens in their life you will have to be the shoulder they can cry on. If a person knows that you've been through the worst with them, they will be more willing to trust you.
Be genuine with your intentions. People often go by their gut instincts and if they feel you're intentions are slightly off with their well being, they will not trust you. Gain their trust because you want to be a good friend.
Great persons are humble persons. Matured people are also humble people. Leaders should be the greatest, most matured and humblest persons inside an organization. So if you want to earn trust and respect from your subordinates, be greater, more matured and humbler than them.
Characteristics of distrust
It is self perpetuating; employees don't trust management, and management becomes less trusting of employees;
Management distrust is like a virus; it gains strength as it spreads. New employees learn from more seasoned employees that management cannot be trusted.
Management distrust is resistant to change. Some managers conclude that to stop the distrust, they must move the operations to another part of the country and hire a new work force.
Building Trust
Start trusting employees. Management needs to show trust of employees.
Don't withhold information. Often, corporate leaders operate on a need to know basis. However, employees feel that information has been sanitized when it is delayed.
Be honest at all times. If employees feel that they are being misled, trust in management will be lost, perhaps permanently.
Conduct more face to face communications. Sometimes employees need to hear straight from the boss in forum. Management by walking around is important in building trust also.
Listen to employees and let them know you've heard them. Employees become distrustful when they sense that their views are not being heard. Management needs to acknowledge employee suggestions by acting on them and letting all know that they did so.
Communicate the things you know for sure and then make you see those plans through. This will create improved communication and trust of leadership in future activities.