How to Actually Build Trust With Your Assistant (Without Bribing Them With Coffee… Okay, Maybe With Coffee)

Let’s face it—your assistant is basically your business sidekick. They know your calendar better than you do, see all your emails, and sometimes even know what you’re thinking before you do. That’s a lot of power in one person’s hands, which is why trust is everything. But how do you actually get there without awkward handshakes and endless pep talks?

1. Start With Clear Expectations

Trust isn’t magic—it’s clarity. Be upfront about:

• What you need done

• Deadlines

• Communication style

If you expect a daily update but only say, “Hey, just do the thing,” don’t be surprised when your assistant thinks “the thing” is “ignore emails for a week.”

Pro tip: clarity + consistency = less drama, more trust.

2. Communicate Like Humans, Not Robots

This doesn’t mean sending GIFs 24/7 (unless that’s your vibe). It means:

• Ask questions when you’re unsure

• Give feedback often

• Celebrate wins

Good communication shows your assistant that you respect them—and respect builds trust faster than any motivational poster ever could.

3. Give Them Autonomy

Here’s the secret: micromanaging kills trust. If you constantly hover over tasks, your assistant starts to feel like they’re in a reality TV show called “Guess What My Boss Wants Today.”

Instead, delegate with confidence, step back, and let them handle it. You’ll be amazed at how much smoother things run when your assistant feels trusted.

4. Be Honest (Even When It’s Awkward)

Mistakes happen. Maybe a deadline gets missed, maybe you send a confusing email. Admit it. Transparency builds trust faster than pretending everything’s perfect. Bonus: it makes your assistant way more likely to be upfront when they need to raise an issue.

5. Small Gestures Go a Long Way

Trust isn’t just about big conversations—it’s also about little actions:

• A quick “thanks” after a tough task

• Sharing relevant info before they have to ask

• Treating them like the human beings they are (yes, even if they keep your calendar in check)

Pro tip: sometimes a coffee or a donut is the simplest way to say, “I’ve got your back.”

The Bottom Line

Building trust with your assistant isn’t complicated. Be clear, communicate, give space, be honest, and sprinkle in a little human kindness. Do that, and you won’t just have an assistant—you’ll have a partner who keeps your business running smoothly (and maybe even laughs at your bad jokes).