Credibility - How to improve yours

I often get asked, "How do I increase my credibility?" Maybe you are starting out in your career or you got a new job or got assigned to work with a new team, or you've been on a team for some time, but just don't seem to be getting the merit you feel you earned.

One of the best books I read on building credibility is called The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey.

In the book, Covey talks about what he calls "The 4 Cores of Credibility".

Core 1 is Integrity, Core 2 is Intent, and together these make up one's character. Core 3 is Capabilities and Core 4 is Results, and together these last two make up one’s competency.

Integrity - This is what most people think about when they think of trust. To many, integrity basically means honesty. While integrity does include honesty, it includes much more. In the book, Covey defines Integrity as being congruent inside and out. A congruent person acts in harmony with their deepest values and beliefs.

Intent - This has to do with our motives, our agenda, and resulting behavior. Trust grows when our motives are straightforward and based on mutual benefit - in other words, when we genuinely care not for ourselves, but also for the people we interact with, lead or serve. When we suspect a hidden agenda from someone or we don't believe they are acting in our best interest, we are suspicious about everything they say or do.

Capabilities- These are the abilities we have that inspire confidence - our talents, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and even style. They are the means we use to produce the final core - results.

Results - Refer to your demonstrated track record, your performance, your getting the right thing done at the right time. If we don't accomplish what we are expected to do, it diminishes our credibility. If on the other hand, when we achieve the results we promised, we establish a positive reputation or performing, being a producer, and... our reputation precedes us.

Covey talks about whether we're aware of it or not, people notice the 4 cores. They affect your credibility. Understanding them will give you conscious competence. It's like putting your trust glasses on. It will enable you to see beneath the surface, to see specifically why you - or others - are trusted or not. It will enable you to pinpoint what you can do in your own life to increase trust, and how you can work with others to help them increase trust at work and at home.

This was just a brief summary of the book “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M.R. Covey. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to buy the book.