BUILDING CREDIBILITY
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We are all familiar with how unpredictable life can be. However, we are more comfortable with predictability.
Why are we are more comfortable with predictability?
The answer is simple. Uncertainty can be scary. Whether it is a family, business, church, or any social organization we are part of, we seek for certainty. I’m not discrediting change. When I buy into something I am first looking for certainty in the people followed by certainty with the organization as a whole. It is a matter of credibility.
How would you like to work for a boss that is happy one day, and next day he or she is harsh, disrespect, and rude? If you were the boss, would you hire a person like this?
There is a lot to be said about a person that has credibility. I believe most successful people in our world are those who are credible. Let me share a few strategies that can help build your credibility.
1. Open Your Ears.
Listening is a key component to you building credibility. Let’s use the example aforementioned. We have all been in a personal or professional relationship when someone did not listen. This can be a major problem. Why? A person unwilling to listen cannot be taught. And a person that cannot be taught cannot grow.
Whether you are the boss or not, people want to know that you are listening. It is so important! This is why I like the quote from the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”
2. Lead with Regularity.
I believe everyone is a leader, but there are different levels of leadership. Some people are just leading themselves. Others are leading their families. There are some people responsible for leading thousands and millions of employees. Regardless of whom you are leading, you must lead with regularity. People want to know that you will consistent in your thoughts, words, and actions. Otherwise, you have a hard time influencing people.
3. Develop Yourself.
This may be arguably the best strategy for a person building credibility. There is reason why the flight attendants strongly encourage adults to place their oxygen mask on themselves first, and then place the child’s oxygen mask. I have so many people attempt to help someone else, but they haven’t started the process of developing themselves.
In the Bible, these people are referred to as hypocrites. In our modern world, we would call these people fakers.
You don’t have to know everything, but you need to have competence and experience. We will be able to help many people if we would first internally develop ourselves.
4. Help Others.
Developing yourself is one thing, but being selfish is something totally different. No one wants to be associated with anyone that is all about self. A person may tolerate someone with selfish motives, but they will not be true followers to someone who is careless about helping and serving others.
Our credibility is wrapped up in how we serve others. The 26th President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Just know, your level of caring will determine your level of credibility.
In conclusion, building credibility is important to your success. It is not about pleasing someone else. It is not about making other people feel good (although this phenomenon will happen while building credibility). Credibility is about consistently being true to yourself and your values. This process will provide you with an unshakeable framework that will be second to none and be a great foundation for your success.
In what areas of personal and / or professional life can you build better credibility? Please leave a comment below, send me a tweet on Twitter, or leave a comment on Facebook.
Bryant
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