Credibility: The Capstone of Trust
Over the past three months, we’ve explored the concept of trust, dissecting it into four integral components. Today, we present the final piece: credibility. Alongside chemistry, character, and competency, credibility is crucial. For some, it’s the most important aspect, overshadowing others. A weak initial display can lead to being dismissed as untrustworthy, with little chance for redemption. However, most people are more forgiving, allowing room for growth.
So, what exactly is credibility? It’s the intentional alignment of your competency, experience, and know-how with the needs of others. Can you leverage your skills to understand my reality and design solutions that help me achieve my goals? If so, you’re credible in my eyes. Credibility means I believe in you, give you credence, and ultimately, trust you.
Credibility manifests in various scenarios. Consider a new restaurant: the staff asks about your dinner preferences and recommends a dish. When the food arrives and it is “Instagrammable” and tastes as if a Micheline Star chef cooked it, their credibility is confirmed in our minds – we trust the restaurant’s ability to recommend and prepare delicious meals. Similarly, think of a trusted mechanic who diagnoses your car's issues accurately and fixes them efficiently. Over time, their consistent performance builds trust, making them credible in your eyes.
This newspaper serves as another example, having been a reliable source of information and community engagement for years. In both instances, credibility can be built over time or quickly, when someone prioritizes our needs over their interests. Credibility isn’t static; it’s a dynamic attribute that can grow or diminish based on actions and consistency
So how can you boost your credibility? Lean in to these three areas. First slow down and genuinely listen. Active listening involves more than just hearing words; it means understanding the underlying needs and concerns. Ask plenty of questions, even seemingly dumb ones, to show you understand their real needs. This demonstrates your commitment to truly understanding the person you’re interacting with.
Bring honesty and transparency to the table. Own up to mistakes quickly; this demonstrates character and builds trust. Admitting errors shows that you value truth over your ego. For instance, a leader who acknowledges a mistake in strategy and works with their team to correct it fosters a culture of trust and learning.
Finally, consistency is key. Whether it’s arriving on time or delivering a report when expected, consistency enhances your credibility. Regularly meeting expectations builds a track record of reliability. Think of a colleague who always delivers quality work on time – their reliability strengthens their credibility.
John Maxwell, a gifted leadership guru of recent times observes that “Credibility is a leader’s currency. With it, he or she is solvent; without it, he or she is bankrupt.” This week observe others and notice how they demonstrate credibility currency. Reflect on your credibility accounts. Are you presenting yourself as credible? For instance, consider how often you follow through on commitments, how transparent you are with your team, and how well you understand their true needs. Reach out and share what you are learning.
Credibility, competency, character, and chemistry are the four pillars that unlock trust. Once trust is established, we can transition from transactional interactions to relational ones, where real transformation occurs. Trust transforms interactions from mere transactions to meaningful relationships, fostering deeper connections and collaboration. More on bridging the gap between transaction and transformation next month.
Dustin contributes monthly on Leadership, Influence, and Relational Intelligence. If you're a leader who understands that developing your team's culture is key to growth and profits, connect with Dustin Fenton at Piton Coaching. Dustin specializes in transforming organizational cultures and maximizing team performance. Reach out at www.pitoncoaching.com or on LinkedIn @DustinFenton and @PitonCoaching
