As per the Cambridge dictionary credibility is defined as: Credibility is the fact that someone can be believed or trusted.
Credibility comprises the objective and subjective components of the believability of a source or message. Credibility dates back to Aristotle theory of Rhetoric.
Why to be credible?
Credibility is gauged by the level of confidence and trust that people have in you. You don’t secure that by sharpening your resume, learning how to play-act, or giving yourself a makeover. You gain people’s trust based on your moral character and your competence, and by consistently displaying admirable behavior.
The truth never lies.
Some people have it backward — they focus on how they appear to others. The truth is that credibility begins with you! If YOU don’t believe in yourself, why should others? When you continually invest in your personal growth, live with honor, and lead by example, everything you say will carry the voice of credibility. Moreover, you’ll be proud of who you are. You won’t have to shout it from the rooftops; saying nothing will say everything. Are you credible?
Why to have employee credibility?
Employee relation is an ongoing challenge for businesses with large or diverse workforces. One aspect of workplace relations is employee credibility, which refers to how workers perceive leaders and whether they trust them. Both tangible and intangible factors demonstrate why employers dedicate time and money to communication and accountability in managing employee relations and creating employee credibility.
Employee credibility has a very real impact on a business’s bottom line due to the impact it can have on workers’ motivation and overall workplace efficiency. Workers who trust their superiors and have a sense of respect for the corporate leadership are more likely to dedicate themselves to tasks and make accommodations to foster teamwork and mutual goals rather than personal achievements and milestones. When leaders accept accountability for their failings and show that they sincerely value employees, they appeal to an ethical sense of justice that will encourage employees to dedicate themselves to tasks and improvement.
One area where employee credibility has a tangible effect on a business’s bottom line is in the area of employee retention and turnover rates. Employee credibility encourages loyalty as workers who trust their leaders are more likely to stay with a company and less likely to grow dissatisfied and seek work elsewhere, which means businesses that can create employee credibility need to spend less money on recruiting and training replacement workers. It also keeps experienced workers in the workplace where they can benefit colleagues and teach new employees by their examples and through mentoring or formal instruction.
Employee credibility in the workplace affects the way a business’s employees interact with clients and potential customers, which occurs when workers feel confident passing along information to clients without worrying about the accuracy of what a leader has stated or ordered. A business culture that includes employee credibility is likely to improve customer service in other ways as well, such as customer service representatives knowing where to find answers and being willing to accept accountability for personal mistakes or shortcomings.
Earning Credibility
Following factors contribute to your credibility
Be genuine. Credible people are comfortable in their own skin. They don’t create a false pretense to win acceptance, and they don’t allow themselves to be manipulated by others.
Be principled. Credible people do what’s right rather than what’s convenient. They don’t twist rules for personal gain.
Be capable. Credible people have a proven track record of success. Plus, they have the knowledge and experience to replicate that success. They don’t misrepresent their capabilities to get something they don’t deserve.
Be discerning. Credible people surround themselves with folks who uphold high standards of honor and integrity. They don’t let toxic people pollute their attitude, dampen their drive, or corrupt their morality.
Be honest and trustworthy. Credible people give explanations in a clear and concise manner. They tell it like it is rather than saying what folks want to hear. They don’t spin the truth or exaggerate benefits to make something sound better.
Be straightforward and transparent. Credible people let others know whether they’re presenting fact or opinion. They don’t abuse people’s trust by making a recommendation or offering advice without revealing vested interests.
Be objective. Credible people present both sides of an issue rather than a one-sided view. They disclose all known facts in an unbiased manner and let recipients arrive at their own conclusion. They don’t manipulate, suppress, or withhold important information to misrepresent the truth.
Be selfless. Credible people focus on win-win relationships rather than trying to advance their own self-interests. They don’t try to win at the expense of the relationship.
Be fair. Credible people make every effort to be open-minded, even-handed, and non-discriminating. They don’t show favoritism — rather, they treat superiors and subordinates with the same level of respect.
Be rational and insightful. Credible people examine both sides of an issue before forming an opinion. They make decisions based on hard evidence and reason rather than on emotion.
Be virtuous. Credible people are passionate about their beliefs and values. But they don’t force them on others. They recognize that one of the true tests of integrity is your refusal to compromise your honor at any price.
Be decisive and action-oriented. Credible people don’t just talk a good game — they make things happen. They jump on good opportunities, knowing full well that if you do nothing, nothing happens.
Be accountable. Credible people take ownership of their life rather than relinquishing that responsibility to others. They don’t point a finger or cast blame to evade accountability.
Be consistent and dependable. Credible people are predictable. You always know where they stand. They don’t blow with the wind, even when it’s convenient and tempting to do so.
