7 Ways to Build Credibility as a Leader

Leadership, for some, can seem out of reach, a quality that appears to be something certain people are born with; ascribed, not achieved. However,

So, how do we know where we’re lacking and need to improve? And what steps can be taken to begin building a credible reputation?

Gauging Your Credibility

Judging your own credibility is impossible. Even in a position of leadership, when you’re brimming with confidence in your ability to command control and take the initiative, you may struggle with maintaining credibility among the members of your team. Your team members may be wary of trusting you completely, waiting for you to prove yourself to them.

As a new leader, so much of your time may have focused on achieving your goals that you forgot to work on those essential people skills you need to gain the trust and respect of your team. You need to build a strong foundation of credibility to be trusted as a leader, among your team and your peers. You need to exhibit the consistency of character and a belief in yourself so that others believe in you and your ability to lead them.

Engage and Listen

Most of us retain only about 25%-50% of what we hear in conversation with others. That exemplifies how little we really listen to one another. When others are looking to you for direction, that can be precarious. It’s easy to miss valuable feedback, serious issues with your team, and project updates when you aren’t fully engaged. What’s more, if your team suspects you aren’t hearing them when they speak, you run the risk of losing their trust and respect. Their confidence in you and the company may begin to wane, and good employees usually start looking elsewhere.

If you can, find a quiet place where there are no distractions, look them in the eye and dismiss those extraneous thoughts that creep into your head. Pick up on nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. Ask pertinent questions to let the person know you’re listening. If you don’t understand the point they’re trying to make, ask them to clarify. He or she will know that you genuinely care what is being said, which increase your credibility.

Don’t Beat Around The Bush

In the era of the 30-second sound bite and 144 character status updates, it pays to be succinct. If you need to give your team direction, instructions, or address a problem, say it in the clearest way possible. Don’t “sugar coat” or water down firm statements. Always get to the point and do so with confidence. Invite comments and feedback and encourage questions so you can be assured that everyone is on the same page and your point has been made and your instructions clearly understood.

Consistency

On your leadership journey, you’ve likely had to say yes many times over to tasks you may not have enjoyed but knew would shine a light on your ability to lead. Being a yes-man or -woman can get to be a habit for some and eventually you find yourself overwhelmed and unable to meet your responsibilities.

Before you become buried in commitments and failed follow-throughs, be judicious. Prioritize and learn to say no to those actions which are of no value or don’t work to better your team. When your calendar is weighed down with commitment after commitment you can easily become distracted, snap at others, and appear temperamental, shaking others confidence in you. Know where you need to devote your time, and you’ll stay in control. Your team will respect your position at the helm and performance will skyrocket.

Reach Out to Others Within Your Organization

When you earn a leadership position, it’s most likely because of your achievements and success. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, but you’ve done so fairly and ethically. Why not use your position to reach out and mentor another? Recognize others success, even those beyond the parameters of your team, including your peers.

When you reach out to others, you can forge mutually beneficial relationships. Looking beyond your self-interest exhibits a willingness to see things from another person’s perspective, which builds credibility in numerous ways. Your desire to seek different points of view grows your leadership abilities and works for the betterment of the team and the entire company.

Build Your Communication Skills with Speaking Opportunities

Find opportunities, within your organization, and the community as a whole, to speak to groups of people. Not only will you be networking and building name recognition, but you’ll improve your speaking skills, a vital part of communicating with your team.

Reach out to your company’s PR department, attend public functions, and promote your area of expertise. You’ll be surprised by the snowball effect a few successful speaking engagements can have. Soon, people within your organization and beyond will be clamoring for your presence at the podium.

The Value of Training

Mention a training seminar to some folks and you’ll be met with an instant eye-roll. Most people see training as an interruption in their day, an unproductive break in the action when their time could be put to better use. However, any new training can help you grow, meet others within your organization, and learn new, marketable skills to serve your team and customers. Going through leadership and team building training with your team members is always a good idea. You’ll be able to talk the talk, relate, empathize, and bond with your staff, which improves your credibility and your team’s performance.

Trust in Yourself

Anxiety and stress can go hand-in-hand with a new leadership position. Added to this, as many as 70% of people suffer from what psychologists call “imposter syndrome,” which is when your achievements can’t be enjoyed because you don’t trust that you earned them and consider yourself a fraud.

Think about the implications of imposter syndrome: if you don’t see yourself as credible, how can you expect anyone else to do so? Learn to step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself and begin to trust in your abilities. Routinely sign up to do those things which scare you the most and confront your fears. Public speaking, or performing publicly offer excellent opportunities to practice overcoming fear. Positive self-talk can help you face those fears that have been holding you back. Repeatedly facing your fears will empower you and increase your belief in your ability to impact influence, and lead others.

Build and Grow Your Credibility

Having confidence in yourself, in your team, and in the goal you’ve set will inevitably build your credibility. Make a commitment today to step outside your comfort zone, grow, recognize achievements of others, engage with your team and your peers, follow through on your promises, and most of all, trust in yourself. These are the practices that will build strength, integrity, and credibility.