Like a character in a computer game, imagine yourself with an energy bar which represents credibility. The more of it you have, the more influence you can exert. The more influence you exert, the more you achieve with your working day.
Most of us take it for granted, and don't recognise its value until we lose it. Apart from the direct criticism it attracts us, it is the indirect effects are most debilitating. We begin to achieve less. We get fewer responses to email, slower return of calls. Favours and deals that once came your way stop flowing.
When we lose credibility, simple things we take for granted get harder, because we no longer have the cooperation of clients and colleagues. This is rarely stated as fact, and that makes it difficult to address.
Here are a few tips on building credibility.
- Be aware when credibility is in danger. Highly influential people are aware of the presence of their credibility at all times, and go to great lengths to protect it. They recognise credibility does not come from their title, but from what they say and do. Without their credibility intact, they are useless as leaders. A few years ago I struck a problem with a client that turned nasty. Both of us were at fault, but it was my credibility that took a big hit. In some circles, people still resent me for what happened. Now I'm very careful and guard my credibility.
- Credibility is built from small things we do. When you make a commitment, keep the commitment. Show you are reliable with the small things, and people will naturally think you just as reliable with bigger issues.
- Put fires out quickly. If a problem occurs in a relationship, get to work fixing it before it spirals out of control. Don't allow it to fester, even if you believe you are not the source of the problem. Pick a course of action to remedy the situation and follow through a 100%. By taking action to remedy the problem can improve your credibility.
Credibility is hard earned, and easily lost. It is up to you to grow it and keep it in tip-top condition.
