Credibility is not something you give yourself. Credibility is what others give you, because you are trusted, convincing and believable. When you are credible, people know what you say is accurate, because you have a proven track record of results. We listen to credible people because they know what they are talking about, and we believe in them, because they "walk their talk" or do what they say they will do.
Why is it important to be credible as a leader? Leadership is about doing good things through people. In order to do good things through people, you need to influence others which happens more quickly when they trust your word. They need to believe that what you say is accurate in order to get "in line" and follow you.
How do you know if you have credibility?
- Others seek you out for your advice, expertise, knowledge and products
- Others recommend you
- Your words and actions are repeated to others
- Banks are willing to lend you money
What if none of these things are happening to you? What can you do to gain credibility with others?
- Be careful what you promise....only do what you really can do
- Get results consistently. If you are a salesperson you must be able to get sales, a golfer must have a good score consistently, a nurse must provide care that gets positive results
- Constantly read and learn from others so your knowledge base increases
- Admit when you tried something, and it did not work, and what you learned from it
- Follow through, follow through and did I mention follow through?
- Become a great listener who is willing to hear and understand others
- Be careful when giving out advice...usually only when asked
Once you lose your credibility, can you regain it? It is very difficult to know for sure. With some people you may never have credibility again. However, with others, it may just take time. When we look at Tiger Woods, who had great credibility as a golfer, we wonder if he will ever be at the top again. He lost credibility with golfers because he is not winning tournaments and because of the personal choices he has made in his life. The quickest way for Tiger to regain credibility as a golfer is consistently getting results by winning tournaments. Even then, some will never believe in him again because of his past personal mistakes.
Martha Stewart is an example of someone who lost credibility because of her lying to officials about a stock sale and spending time in prison. However, she apologized to her customers and has since regained most of her lost customers as evidence by the increased sales of her products. However, there may be many customers who will never buy her products again because of her past personal mistake.
By using the tips mentioned above, you will be on your way to gaining credibility with others and improving the way you lead others for better results.
