It really is amazing how deep or how many levels communication happens on. Your point took it to a whole different level I hadn’t thought of. It really does pay to stop and ask yourself how can I achieve the goal I want and then consider every angle! A lot of times I write it down and ask a third party to read it and give me their view point. I am amazed at the different opinions I get. This is especially true from different cultural perspectives.
Great question that I believe many who are called on to present in these type of situations face. In these situations I believe that initially you must rely on your credentials as to why you are there speaking for that credibility.
However, once the presentation begins, I think you start pulling in these other ideas such as being connected to your audience, demonstrating the work you have put in to acquiring this knowledge, etc.
Do you agree?
Ryan
Absolutely! Great observations Cavin. To your first comment, listening is so key to building credibility with others.
In regard to your second comment, I could not agree with you more. I work with a lot of leaders who are afraid to admit they don't know everything because they operate from a twisted perspective that this admission would hurt their credibility. When, to your point, admitting that you are not the expert in everything but are willing to learn, this is the way to be credible. Great comments.
Ryan
I think that it often does take time to build credibility, but what about an individual that walks into an audience that they have never seen before and is required to present and yet be looked at instantly as credible? It is just something to ponder.
People want to trust. The first thing I think is paramount is to have people know that you are genuinely concerned about being fair. You cannot be fair without looking at all perspectives. So you must take the time to ask questions and absorb other’s beliefs.
Second, I think that credibility is not being an expert in all areas about all things that you are trying to present/persuade. As an educator, I have often times led my class into subjects that I was not an expert in. Prior to being in that position however, I had laid the groundwork that I was an intelligent individual in other areas. If I did not know something, I would not feed them bull. I was honest that it was an area that I was not extremely knowledgeable in. Then I would research and report my findings. My students always knew they could count on me to be consistent and accurate.
William,
I think you're right on. Especially in regard to maintaining the understanding & appreciation of the skills & work of your direct reports. Way too often it seems this part is overlooked & this can quickly damage the credibility of the leader. Great perspective & ideas.
Ryan
I will build my own credibility when interacting with others by first researching and aquiring sufficient knowledge about the subject at hand and continually maintaining an understanding and appreciation of the skills and work performed by those under my supervision.
Listening is definitely a huge part of building credibility as it demonstrates a willingness to hear what others have to say.
I'm curious as to what you mean by relating to them with sound credentials? Could you tell me more about this, it sounds like a great approach & I would like to get some further insight.
Thanks,
Ryan
I listen to others then I relate with them with sound credentials.
Cynthia,
Great ways to build credibility. I think what I hear is that you communicate & keep your peers, superiors, etc informed. This is huge. I have found that most people are willing to work with us as long as we keep them informed if we are going to be late on a commitment.
Always remember that credibility takes a long time to build, but can be destroyed in a moment.
Ryan
The way i build my own credibility with others is by following up on promises and commitments. Others trust me because i own up to what i promise them. If i say i am going to do somehthing for them, like finish a projet, i will do it. If for whatever reason i cannot follow through on a promise or commitment i will own up to it and be sincere. This builds my credibility because now they know they can trust me and that i do not conceal my flaws. This has earned me the reputation of being trustworthy in my organization.
To build my credibility with others I try to sound as sincere as possible when I speak about a subject but I also don't pretend to know something when I actually don't. If it's an answer to a question I'll let the other party know that I will find out as soon as possible or if it's a discussion about something I'll let the other party know I'm listening to what they have to say about the subject.
I agree, and that concept of "expertise" is so subjective isn't it? Working to truly show you have knowledge of the subject area is vital.
Ryan
I don't think you can be credible in your position with out having any sort of expertise.
I agree that experience is a great way for building credibility. I also believe that it is important to demonstrate your own integrity & your interest in the other person's agenda to help build credibility. This does not mean that you have to give in or buy in, but you acknowledge them by hearing them out.
Ryan
in my line business, experience is the most important factor for credibility.
Absolutely. I heard an interview with Tony Blair yesterday regarding leadership & he talked about how one of the most important aspects of leadership is just doing what you say you're going to do. I think this is exactly what you're talking about in regard to building credibility.
Ryan
I believe that you build credibility by being yourself, believe in your stand, therefore being truthful & showing your emotions/passion. You have to listen to what others are saying & show you are listening with body language and eye contact. Credibility will only be earned when you show respect for others, knowledge of the topic, and be truthful.
So true. Can take a long time to build trust, but only an instant to kill it.
Ryan
Great. I think that by being prepared we also demonstrate to the other party that we're willing to consider their viewpoint & not just ours.
Ryan
