There’s nothing more valuable when you’re leading than establishing credibility. Credibility is establishing trust and being believable. Can you see why a leader needs to establish credibility to lead well?
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There was once a time when a man’s handshake was his contract. It seems those days are long gone.
Yet you can help bring back those days. You can be a man, or woman, who has credibility.
Credibility is vital in leadership. It’s hard to gain and easy to lose. This is why great leaders are constantly building their credibility.
How are they doing this, you ask? They take the hard road and credible leaders make sure they’re upholding their own standards.
Here’s what else you can do to establish credibility:
Follow through with your promises: Great leaders build their credibility by keeping their word. When they say they’re going to do it, they do it. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Their word is their bond.
Following through is one of the fastest ways to build your credibility. You’re showing others that you’re going to keep your promises and go the distance.
Deliver and then over-deliver: Every leader needs to deliver on their objectives. This means making sure your job is done, your team is functioning properly, and that goals are met. This is just the beginning.
Once you’ve delivered, start over-delivering. Go the extra mile. Create the best presentation you can. Develop a great training program to run your team through. Give your best.
As you over-deliver, people will begin to take notice. They’ll know your work is topnotch and can’t be beat. Give yourself a great name to live up to.
Keep private matters private: You’re in a position of trust. There will be times when your team members or followers will approach you with sensitive and private issues. It’s your job to keep private matters private.
Don’t go and share the juicy details with anyone. Keep them to yourself (unless there’s threats of violence, self-harm, etc.). Show others you’re worthy of the trust you’re seeking.
Be a person of conviction: Your leadership will face tribulations and testings. You’ll be tempted to waver and take the easy road.
When you’re faced with these situations, remember you’re a person of conviction. You know what is right and what is wrong. Don’t cave to the pressures.
Instead, stand by your convictions and live them out. Those watching you will take notice and realize you’re not one to be swayed by popular opinion or pressure.
It’s up to you whether or not you’ll have credibility as a leader. I’ve laid out 4 simple ways you can establish your credibility. There’s plenty more out there.
Just know that your credibility is worth more than gold as you lead. The trust of those you lead depend upon it.
Question: How are you building credibility as a leader? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.