On Monday we discussed how your greatest asset is your credibility (Some say it is one’s repute, though we believe credibility is core to repute). We find that many people believe that because they have an impressive title, notable responsibilities and leading credentials, they are credible. Not so. More so, it is your day to day behavior that proves or disproves your credibility. And your credibility or lack thereof will drive your repute to the positive or negative.
So, today we offer you 10 quick tips to establish and maintain your credibility to positively build your repute:
1) Be courteous to those around you.
2) Be “Counted On”. Keep your word and commitments. (If you have a hard time with this, start by being more diligent in vetting your agreements, meaning you need to learn to say, “no thanks” or “I’d love to help but I am already committed…” or “ sure boss, happy to do it, though does this then take priority over my current directive?”)
3) Conduct yourself as a peer (not a subordinate) and especially when you are meeting people. And don’t flirt or fawn.
4) Be a person of interest, that is, interesting and knowledgeable (and up to date).
5) Look your part (that is, complementary to the role you want to be). Like it or not, impressions count and first ones tend to stick.
6) Be accountable. When you mess up (and you will as we are human), swiftly make amends. That is, acknowledge your error, apologize if appropriate and renegotiate a solution or the expectation knowing you have a little (emotional) make up to do.
7) Be opportunitistic and solution oriented. That is, look for the opportunity and advancement in issues, problems and challenges.
Help others succeed.
9) Give credit due. (Praise, appreciate and recognize others.)
10) Deliver more than asked for, whether that is an earlier timeline, more options, an improvement idea – deliver more value.
We know that your credibility is important to you. But you can’t assume it, you must demonstrate it and live it. These tips will help you build and maintain your credibility and will ultimately create “repute gravity”, whereas people begin to seek you out based on your exceptional credibility and repute.
To your success!
Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest
Tags: Quick Tips to Establish Credibility to Boost Your Repute
