Leaders and managers spend a lot of time and effort thinking
about how to develop their people’s talent, shape their performance, and
motivate them to improve.
But when was the last time you focused on yourself?
Specifically, how’s your credibility? Does it need some attention?
Here are 10
ways to boost your credibility with colleagues, customers, and everyone else within
your sphere of influence:
1. Demonstrate
ownership and a sense of urgency. Your colleagues and customers want a
quick turnaround when they have a problem or concern. Show them they matter.
2. Be clear on when
you will respond. When a problem or concern arises, quickly communicate
details on how you will fix the issue, and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
3. Return calls and
emails promptly. Don’t let emails sit in your inbox unanswered, and don’t
hide behind your voicemail—especially if you’ve made a mistake. Be reachable.
4. Meet face-to-face when
possible. Email is handy, but it isn’t the right mode of communication for
resolving conflicts, having discussions, or expressing feelings.
5. Be open, candid,
and transparent. Don’t withhold information that you should be sharing.
Don’t force others to ask for the truth; volunteer it. Being open instils
trust.
6. Earn trust—don’t
ask for it. The worst thing a manager can say is “Trust me!” Build
credibility with your actions and you’ll never have to ask for it.
7. Follow through
with agreements. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Never make
others beg for information that you said you would provide.
8. Admit your
mistakes. Be accountable for your actions. Nothing destroys credibility
more than blaming everyone else and refusing to point your finger at yourself.
9. Restate
commitments. If a customer or colleague agrees to anything, restate back to
them what they’ve just agreed to. That way there will be surprises—from you or
from them.
10. Set a good
example. If you blame others, worry, get hysterical, do things in a
mediocre way, have disorganised methods, or fail to see others’ potential, so
will your colleagues.
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