Credibility Gives You A Voice
Credibility unlocks hearts.
Shadow work builds credibility quietly.
- Character develops slowly.
- Competence means you’re able.
- Caring says you serve the interests of others.
Leaders who skip backstage work borrow credibility they haven’t earned. The debt comes due at the worst time. People shut them out.
7 Practices of Credibility that Give You Voice
Become the person people listen to.
- Confident Steadiness: Process painful emotions quietly. Reject defensiveness. Learn from stinging criticism.
- Avoid Outbursts: Go to bed. Leave work before you’re exhausted. Pause before you speak. Only open your mouth to make something better.
- Maintain Focus: Filter the “great” ideas in your head. Identify glowing drivel. Ask, “How does this idea make things better?” Don’t run around showing how smart you are.
- Sustain Success: Do an autopsy on success. Was winning luck? Are you as good as you think? Identify the key factors of success.
- Multiply Contribution: Pour into yourself so you can pour out. What can you do today to grow your ability to make a difference?
- Gain Authority: Investigate issues. Consider motivations and anxieties. Avoid quick judgments. Hold your tongue. Speak last.
- Earn Respect: Let results explain effort. Celebrate how hard others are working. Appreciate people. Notice strengths. Challenge people to rise.
Influence begins in the dark and shines under pressure.
Don’t beg for opportunity. Prove readiness with quiet preparation. Don’t wait for applause. Do the unseen work.
Credibility supercharges influence.
What specific practices build credibility?
The Vagrant is the story of a leader who neglected the unseen work. Read the book to track the fall. and learn from the turnaround.
So many pearls of wisdom today……..
Influence begins in the dark and shines under pressure.
Don’t wait for the applause.(Love this one)
Do the unseen work.
Your comment reminded me to focus on doing good work, not who sees the work.
Be quick to hear, slow to speak, even slower to become angry. Dan, thank you for encouraging me on the path of true wisdom. Do the deep, quiet work first. Avoid defensiveness. Show humility. Credibility (or reputational capital) is built oh, so slowly….and then sadly can be lost in a moment. Thanks for the reminder.
Your thoughts on credibility reminded me of a conversation I had yesterday. The leader felt credible because he cared for people. He promoted their success. Found ways to support progress. And found ways to minimize unnecessary negativity.