There’s a fine line between being nice at work and being too nice. You might think that always saying “yes” makes you a team player. But, overdoing it can make you seem insincere or even untrustworthy.

Successful people understand that there’s a better way. They are genuine, direct, and still manage to maintain their likability.

Want to know their secret? It’s all about balance.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 things successful people do to be more genuine and trustworthy at work without appearing too nice. These tips might just help you break free from the ‘too nice’ label and increase your credibility in the workplace.

1) Successful people set boundaries

It’s great to be a team player and lend a helping hand when needed. But successful people know the importance of setting boundaries.

Many may mistake setting boundaries for not being nice. But it’s actually a sign of respect – for yourself and for others.

When you constantly say “yes” to every request, even when you’re swamped with work, you’re not only overburdening yourself, but also giving an unrealistic impression of your capabilities. Over time, this can lead to burnout, resentment, and can even impact the quality of your work.

Successful people understand that it’s okay to say “no” when necessary. They prioritize their tasks and responsibilities, and communicate their boundaries clearly and respectfully.

Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re not a team player. It means you’re a professional who values your time and energy. And that’s a trait that builds trust and respect in any workplace.

2) They are authentic

I’ve always believed that honesty is the best policy, both in personal and professional life. This belief became even stronger during my time as a project manager.

In meetings, I often found myself agreeing with proposals that I didn’t fully support. I thought this was the “nice” thing to do. But soon, I realized that my lack of genuine input was not helping the team or the project.

One day, I decided to voice my concerns about a proposed strategy. It was risky, and I was worried about coming off as negative or not supportive. To my surprise, my colleagues appreciated my honesty. They said it was refreshing to hear a different perspective.

From then on, I made a point to be more authentic at work. I learned that being truthful and expressing your genuine thoughts and feelings doesn’t make you less nice. Instead, it makes you a more reliable and trustworthy colleague.

Being authentic doesn’t mean being rude or confrontational. It means being true to yourself and your values while respecting others’ perspectives. That’s what successful people do, and it’s something we can all learn from.

3) They practice active listening

Active listening is one of the most important skills in communication. It’s about more than just hearing words. It’s about understanding the complete message that the other person is trying to convey.

The Harvard Business Review reports that people who practice active listening are seen as more likable and trustworthy. This is because active listening demonstrates that you value the person you’re speaking with and what they have to say.

Successful people are skilled active listeners. They don’t just nod and smile while their minds wander elsewhere. They focus on the speaker, ask clarifying questions and provide thoughtful responses.

Active listening isn’t just a powerful tool in building trust and credibility, it also fosters better understanding, collaboration, and problem-solving in the workplace.

4) They show empathy

Empathy is a powerful tool in any successful person’s arsenal. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

In the workplace, showing empathy doesn’t mean you need to become overly involved in everyone’s personal lives. Rather, it means acknowledging the emotions and experiences of your colleagues.

When someone is under stress or facing a challenge, acknowledging their situation can go a long way. A simple, “I understand this must be tough for you,” can make a big difference.

Showing empathy helps build stronger, more genuine connections with your colleagues. It makes you more approachable and trustworthy. After all, we all appreciate someone who understands our feelings and perspectives.

5) They appreciate others

Appreciation is like a magical key that unlocks positivity in the workplace. Successful people understand this, and they don’t shy away from expressing their gratitude.

Imagine working tirelessly on a project and your efforts go unnoticed. It can be disheartening, right? Now, imagine if someone took the time to acknowledge your hard work and said, “Thank you, your efforts really made a difference.” It feels good, doesn’t it?

That’s the power of appreciation.

Successful people aren’t just focused on their own achievements. They take the time to recognize the efforts and contributions of others. This isn’t about being overly nice or flattering. It’s about genuinely appreciating the hard work that others put in.

This simple act of kindness builds a sense of trust and camaraderie among team members. It fosters a positive work environment where everyone feels valued. And that’s a hallmark of genuine and trustworthy leadership.

6) They admit their mistakes

I remember a time when I was leading a crucial project. Everything was going well until I made a miscalculation that set us back considerably. I was tempted to brush it under the rug or blame external factors. But I knew that wouldn’t be right.

Instead, I gathered my team and admitted my mistake. I apologized for the setback and laid out a plan to rectify it. It was a difficult moment, but it turned out to be one of the most important learning experiences of my career.

Admitting a mistake can feel like showing weakness, especially in a competitive work environment. But successful people understand that everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how you handle them.

When you admit your mistakes, you show that you value honesty and integrity over your ego. It may seem counterintuitive, but this vulnerability often strengthens your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of your colleagues. It shows that you’re human and that you’re committed to learning and growing from your mistakes.

7) They communicate effectively

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful professional relationship. It’s not just about speaking clearly; it’s also about ensuring your message is understood and valued.

Successful people are masters of effective communication. They know how to articulate their ideas and thoughts in a way that’s easy to understand. They are clear, concise, and direct, leaving no room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

But effective communication isn’t a one-way street. It also involves listening and responding to feedback, being open to other perspectives, and demonstrating a willingness to adapt and evolve based on these interactions.

By communicating effectively, successful people show that they value transparency and collaboration, traits that naturally foster trust and respect in the workplace.

8) They lead by example

The most effective way to be genuine and trustworthy in the workplace isn’t through words, but actions. Successful people understand this and strive to lead by example.

They display the values they expect from others – integrity, respect, dedication, and accountability. They demonstrate these values through their actions every day, setting a powerful example for their colleagues and subordinates to follow.

Leading by example isn’t about being perfect. It’s about demonstrating that you’re committed to the same standards you expect from others. This consistency between words and actions is a powerful way to earn trust and respect in any work environment.

Final thoughts: It’s about authenticity

Being genuine and trustworthy in the workplace isn’t about playing a role or wearing a mask. It’s about being your true self, with all your strengths and imperfections.

Brene Brown, a renowned research professor and author, once said, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

Embracing this authenticity in the workplace can be intimidating. But as we’ve seen, it’s a path that many successful people choose to take.

They set boundaries, communicate effectively, show empathy, appreciate others, admit their mistakes, practice active listening, and lead by example. All these actions stem from a place of authenticity.

So, if there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: Being too nice at work isn’t a ticket to success. Being genuine and trustworthy is.

As you move forward in your professional journey, remember to honor your values, respect others, and most importantly, be true to yourself. That’s the real key to success in any work environment.