How to build trust as a new project professional

For new project managers, few things are more important, or more challenging, than building trust. Without it, teams hesitate, stakeholders question decisions, and suppliers doubt commitments. With it, collaboration improves, delivery becomes smoother, and challenges are easier to overcome.

Trust doesn’t appear automatically with a job title. It’s earned through consistent behaviour, transparent communication, and the ability to deliver on promises. For those just starting their career in project management, focusing on trust-building is one of the most effective ways to establish credibility and set the tone for long-term success.

Why trust matters in project management

Projects involve multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and high levels of uncertainty. In this environment, trust is what holds everything together. Team members who trust their manager are more engaged and willing to go the extra mile. Stakeholders who trust project leaders are more supportive of difficult decisions. Suppliers who feel trusted are more likely to deliver reliably and flexibly.

Trust also reduces the “friction cost” of project delivery. Instead of wasting time justifying every decision or chasing updates, project managers can focus on outcomes, because stakeholders believe in their leadership and intentions. For new professionals, this foundation can make the difference between constant struggles and sustainable success.

Behaviours that build credibility

Trust isn’t built overnight, but there are practical behaviours that help new project professionals establish it early on.

Deliver on promises

Consistency is key. Even small commitments, like sharing an update by a set time, build credibility when honoured. Missed deadlines, on the other hand, quickly erode confidence.

Communicate transparently

Stakeholders value honesty, even when the news isn’t positive. Being upfront about risks, delays, or uncertainties demonstrates integrity and helps prevent surprises.

Learn from mistakes

No project professional is perfect, especially at the beginning of their career. Mistakes are inevitable. What matters is how they are handled. Attempting to hide errors, shift blame, or gloss over issues damages credibility. Acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility where appropriate, as well as showing how lessons will be applied in the future, strengthens trust instead.

Regularly engage with stakeholders

Beyond teams, project professionals must also build trust with stakeholders and suppliers. This requires active listening, empathy, and clarity. Stakeholders want to feel that their concerns are heard and their input valued, even if not every request can be accommodated. Clear explanations about what is possible, what isn’t, and why, go a long way towards building credibility.

With suppliers, trust is reinforced by fairness and consistency. Setting clear expectations, paying attention to agreed processes, and addressing concerns promptly establish professional respect. 

These behaviours may sound simple, but they are often overlooked under pressure. Paying attention to them from day one sets the tone for dependable, trustworthy leadership.

Trust as a foundation of leadership

For new project professionals, building trust is the foundation of effective leadership. It requires consistent behaviour: delivering on promises, communicating openly, learning from mistakes, and treating people with fairness and respect.

By focusing on trust early in their careers, project managers lay the groundwork for stronger teams, more supportive stakeholders, and more reliable supplier relationships. And as PRINCE2 emphasises, effective governance is built not only on processes, but also on people. Trust ensures that both can work together to deliver successful outcomes.

Start your project management career with confidence. Explore our PRINCE2® training programmes to build the skills and credibility you need to lead projects and earn trust from day one.