Credibility is, in a way, a higher bar than success. It means others look at you as a reliable resource and decision maker. It allows those who rely on you to know they can count on you, trust you, do business with you, and align with you.
Being credible means fostering a set of very specific qualities–no matter what your role, your organization, or your industry. If you’re serious about establishing yourself as credible here is what you must do
Be trustworthy. To cultivate credibility you must build trust, earn trust and get trust. If people like you they will trust you, and if they trust you they will do business with you. Your trust account is more important than your bank account.
Be competent. Become an expert in your field, someone with the ability to analyse a situation and develop several potential solutions. Be confident in your capabilities so people know you are the one they can count on.
Be consistent. Everything you do, say and think should be consistent. The messages you’re sending out, the actions you take, and the things you allow into your heart and mind the thoughts should all be in total alignment with who you are and what you do. Credibility only happens when everything is consistent, from the inside out.
Be genuine. You need authenticity to cultivate credibility; when you’re trying to win trust, you can’t rely on the “fake it till you make it” approach. The basis for establishing your business or your leadership is a solid foundation that provides tremendous, lasting stability, no matter what changes may be ahead.
Be sincere. Being credible means being sincere. It means you don’t say everything you think, but you mean everything you say. You cannot claim it; you just have to be it. To Sincerity requires commitment and dedication and the willingness to be steadfast, unmovable and always straightforward–no matter what.
Be respectful. Holding other people’s feelings in respect may mean nothing to you, but it could mean everything to them. Treat everyone with respect–not because you expect something, but because you know they deserve it. Titles are granted, positions are given, but it’s respect that earns you credibility.
Be accountable. To establish credibility, you must be accountable for your decisions and actions. When you make a mistake, own up to it and take steps to correct the error. When you aren’t sure, say so.
Be loyal. Your credibility grows when you out for their best interests of those around you. It’s about serving and protecting others. Loyalty is the sense that is a mutual commitment to success.
Be honest. Part of establishing credibility is developing a reputation for speaking with candor and honesty. Transparency is the fundamental keystone to business and the core source of credibility.
Be principled. Stop comparing yourself to others and learn to be yourself– the principled person you are, standing tall for the values you believe in. Always strive to improve yourself to become better today than you were yesterday, work to serve those around you and the world with the core conviction that is uniquely you.
