Credibility is an attribute needed at all levels of the organization, especially in leadership roles. When you are in a leadership position, the organization trusts in your ability to lead. Employees, customers, and other stakeholders will evaluate your actions and decide if they can trust you as well. Therefore, you will have to build credibility to be successful.
How can you do this?
Credibility is related to your leadership brand or reputation. It describes what to expect from you. When you cultivate credibility, you increase people’s trust and respect towards yourself. The first step in building your credibility is learning other people’s expectations. Remember that leadership “is all about them.” You should be able to answer the following questions:
· What matters most to my employees?
· What is critical to my customers?
· What are the expectations of my key stakeholders?
· How am I delivering on my commitments?
Most of the time, the expectations of one group conflict with the other group. This is one of the reasons we say that “leadership is an art.” You need to be skillful in decision-making and communication. You have to make sure all stakeholders understand your position and identify your guiding principles. It is not about accommodating all the requests of your stakeholders but letting them know that you have considered them before making decisions.
Imagine you are part of the leadership team of a commercial airline. How would your employees feel if you only consider the needs of your customers? On the other hand, how would your customers feel if you only consider the needs of your employees? How do you balance both needs is the art you need to perfect to gain credibility with these groups.
The second step in building credibility is taking a stand. Leaders convey a vision, set direction, and persuade others to move in a specific direction. You need to share your rationale; let people know what you value and why they should move along with you. You must be consistent and make sure your actions match your messages.
The third step is to be visible. You need to be present for people. Walk around the office, hold virtual meetings, send written communications, make time for people. The only way people will know you and understand your thinking is by listening to you and seeing you around.
The fourth step is to be accountable. When people see that you accept responsibility for the outcomes of your unit, give credit to the right individuals or teams, support your people, and reflect on ways to continue improving, your credibility as a leader increases.
The beginning of the New Year is the perfect time to assess your leadership brand. Consider what others are saying about you and reflect on what you want. There are several skills that come into play to build credibility. You’ll need active listening skills to learn about your stakeholder’s needs and accept their feedback. Persuasion and influencing skills to take others into a specific path. Communication skills to build relationships and change management skills to include other people’s perspectives and thoughts when proposing a change.
Our mission in Evvolution is that organizations become better places to work and employees feel engaged and interested in giving their very best every day. We develop leadership skills to improve working relationships and obtain faster results.
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About the author: Wilda M. Torres, PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology; President and Founder of Evvolution Consulting; Senior Consultant Organizational & Leadership Development.
Copyright 2021 Wilda Torres Dba EVVOLUTIONPR. All Rights Reserved.
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