To establish credibility at work as a leader of men and women anywhere is essential. People won’t follow a leader who doesn’t come across as credible and authentic. You will have to gain their trust by proving your integrity and dependability. You will have to make sound and timely decisions to become a trusted source of guidance for your subordinates and colleagues. Actions speak louder than words, so it is crucial to demonstrate your credibility through actions. If you are unable to inspire confidence in your team, you won’t be able to lead them effectively. This is why it’s essential to take the lead in projects and demonstrate your capability for everyone to see.
Why is it so crucial?
Building credibility will not only help you in your current workplace but will also give you an advantage when you look for a new job. Employers look for not only candidates good in their respective fields but also those who are good problem-solvers, fast decision-makers and skilled communicators. Having some accomplishments to your name and an excellent record in team projects will do wonders for establishing your credibility early on. Hence, you should always give your best performance in team projects so that you can build an infallible reputation.
Here are some steps you can follow to establish credibility at work:
Stay Up to Date
Changes are always happening at a fast pace in every industry. No matter your skill level, it is very important to be up to date on emerging trends in your field and how they could impact your company. This will show your team members and supervisor that you are well-versed in everything that’s going on in your industry and that you are ready to adapt to any coming changes.
Be Transparent
Being transparent is a great way to build trust among your colleagues and subordinates. If you withhold information, you might be viewed as controlling and untrustworthy. The best approach is to be honest, and forthcoming with everyone at work. If you share information and embrace transparency, you will be able to establish credibility at work with your co-workers. You should also ensure that all the team members are aware of their responsibilities and functions. It is important to form effective channels of communication.
Respect Over Likeability
Respect is much more critical than likeability. We all feel the need to please others so that we will be liked, but that is not a good approach at all. Gain the respect of your co-workers by being an effective team leader. Don’t just shake hands and crack jokes to be liked by everybody. Complete the team’s goals in time so that you earn their respect and admiration instead. Likeability is temporary, but credibility will leave a mark. People will notice that you are the one who actually gets the job done when it matters the most. Likeable people, meanwhile, will end up being viewed as insincere and phoney.
Bottom Line
You can gain the respect of your team as a leader by offering helpful feedback and constructive criticism. This will show that you genuinely care about the performance of your team members. If the feedback is negative in nature, then make sure you give it in private. It is important not to discourage anyone since they are trying their best. Whenever you get to a leadership position, you will have to establish your credibility to gain the loyalty and trust of your team members. Once they view you as credible and authentic, there will be no hesitancy from their side in following your lead. Which tip are you most likely to implement first in your workplace? Let us know by writing in the comment section.