Credibility Checklist that Breeds Success

Do you dream of being the leader of your team? Don’t we all!

Leadership training programs help build the foundational visioning, strategy, teamwork, motivation and communication skills we need to be successful. But there is one aspect of leadership often underestimated that carries more weight than your ability to create a clear strategy, model the right way and empower others. It is your overall credibility.

Here is a quick checklist of how to build your credibility with your bosses, peers and direct reports:

• Be authentic. Do not pretend to be someone you are not. Your insincerity will eventually come through and lessen you in your stakeholder’s eyes.  Even though we try to hide our inadequacies, research shows that people uncover our weaknesses pretty quickly.  Do not waste your energy trying to be something that you are not.
• Listen well. Concentrate completely on what others are saying.  Listen not only to the words, but to the “music.”  What are they really saying and feeling?  Put yourself in their shoes.  Postpone your own agenda.  Make them feel that they are the only thing that matters.  Respond thoughtfully and demonstrate your interest in and understanding of their situation.
• Think and live “we” not “me.” Always put your team first.  Have their back and do what it takes to put them in a position to succeed.  Give them the credit whenever possible.
• Use simple and clear language. Use simple words to convey concepts so they are clear and persuasive.  Say less.  Listen more.