Helping young professionals succeed in work and life
What's your best tip to build credibility in business or in the workplace?
In a recent survey of young professionals, one of the biggest challenges expressed was building credibility and gaining respect from older colleagues.
How do you overcome this issue? What are the ways that you build credibility either in the workplace or when building their own business?
How do you overcome this issue? What are the ways that you build credibility either in the workplace or when building their own business?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alicia Curtis on -
Here are some comments I've received on this topic on facebook and linked.
From Jenny Gregtix:
From my experience in project management consulting, it is critical to develop skills in a niche area, particularly if your area of expertise is new or emerging areas within your field. Therefore allowing you to offer senior managers or potential clients something unique and valuable.
From Veronique Renel:
I would say to always deliver on your promises and exceed expectations.
From Donnie MacLurcan:
Humility. Young people who incessantly name-drop lose credibility in my mind.
What are your thoughts?
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Permalink Reply by Zhen Xu on -
A couple of points come to mind:
1 Walk your talk - never make a promise you can't keep!
2 Always overdeliver - don't just meet people's expectations, amaze them!
3 Be honest - be the first to admit your mistakes and clean up ASAP
4 Be open - communicate often, with high transparency
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Permalink Reply by Marisa Wikramanayake on -
I would say:
1) Be nice - politeness is still valued greatly. Especially by me.
2) Be empathetic - the people you work with are not there to work with you, they are there to do a specific job and they are not always going to be in the best mood because work is not everything. So be a little understanding, realise that the world does not revolve around your specific tasks, and put yourself in their shoes because they might have had a terrible day.
3) Be always willing to learn no matter how old you are - just because you move up in the ranks and get put in charge of the underlings does not mean you know everything nor does it mean that you know everything just because you are straight out of a degree. If I know someone isn't interested in constantly learning, I don't pass work their way because I assume they are more interested in their family or something else at the moment so I would be burdening them. Willingness to learn also shows initiative which means I know if you have a problem, you will go try to find an answer instead of waiting for someone to tell you what to do.
4) Don't be pushy - I am not impressed when I go to networking events and all you can do is shove a card in my hand and tell me what your job is. Anyone else can do that. I want to know about you. If you are willing to be open, if you are equally interested in what makes me tick, then we can build a relationship and go from there. Otherwise, you come off as desperate no matter how wonderful your elevator pitch is, and I feel cheap and used.
5) Volunteer. I want to know that you are passionate about your job/field etc but I also want to know that you care. It doesn't matter what your skill set is, there will be a way for you to volunteer and use it. Teach other people for a start - I then know that you are likely to be a great asset to the company/industry because you will be willing to help other people in the company/industry and that will make the company/industry a better company/industry all around. If you volunteer, your workplace has not made you do it, you have gone out and done it in your time - another great display of passion and initiative.
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Permalink Reply by Alicia Curtis on
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Yes I agree to the 'don't be pushy'! I've definitely experienced that. I think we have to become better at asking each other better questions.
Of course, I'm also a big believer in developing your credibility through volunteering. Often you can rise within a non profit organisation more quickly then in a professional setting and gain so much experience by volunteering your expertise or passion for a cause.
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Permalink Reply by Chloe Jarvis on -
If you're building your own business, the key third party endorsement; build relationships with key stakeholders who can endorse your actions (media, government, industry bodies). Regardless of whether it is your own business or you are working for someone else, a mentor (or multiple) can be just what you need to build credibility. Pick a mentor who is a leader in their field, is well known to others and who you are happy to meet on a social basis as well. This person will not only help you to expand your networks, but can recommend you to others and within social media, can boost your credibility online with a recommendation on LinkedIn, a link to your page on facebook, or a #followfriday on Twitter.
Ultimately though I do think it is your actions and the way you conduct yourself which give you credibility. One mistake can really tarnish your image and support can be withdrawn quickly (we have seen this recently in the media with Stephanie Rice). Recognise that the way you conduct yourself socially also reflects you professionally. Think of yourself as a personal 'brand' and manage yourself accordingly. If you market yourself right, have a good social conscience and recognise the importance of two way relationships with the people you deal with 'brand you' will gain credibility over time.
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Permalink Reply by Alicia Curtis on
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I couldn't agree more with your comments Chloe! Yes, there are lots of practical things we can do like seek recommendations from others, find mentors and so on, but when it comes down to it - it's how we behave both in the professionally and socially that is the real key.
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Permalink Reply by Isabel Taco on -
hhmmm - as a medical student on placement - I've often asked myself this. I thought it was the more 'mature' looking people in our course that got the consultant's respect; the students that looked the part - looked and acted like doctors - the confident outspoken ones - but also it's the ones that know more than is expected and are cool under pressure.
But mostly - it's the ones that are eager to learn, are open to new ideas, and take on and absorb suggestions on how to improve their performance - never need to be told twice. Most importantly - its the ones who they see grow and become better.
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Permalink Reply by Rachel Seymour on -
The single biggest tip I would give is to be authentic. This means being fair, honest and "walking the talk."
I also believe that owning up to mistakes is crucial and always striving for improvemnts.
These traits will take you far. Your hard work and success can all be undone by a poor attitude and a "me me me" mentality. Looking after yourself is crucial, and you must fight for your career and what you want, but don't step on people along the way.
And I agree with other people's suggestion of asking for endorsements/referrals.
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Permalink Reply by Candelle Nestor on -
integrity - do what you say you are going to do, and do it well.
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Permalink Reply by Sheree Jefferies on -
As a HR Manager gaining the respect of colleagues quickly is extremely important for my role. The best piece of advice I can give is (not surprisingly) what others have already mentioned...... ALWAYS deliver on your promises. It is a personal motto, but something our global HR team collectively live by.
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Permalink Reply by Jacques Phillips on -
Great comments guys, I'm glad to have joined this community.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is body language. The main difference between a deadbeat and someone who's "switched on" is all in their stance, posture and facial expression. Gravitas is the first key to credibility because this is what people feel before you've had a chance to speak to them or demonstrate your worth; it frames all of their future opinions of you before they've interacted with you. Be careful though, as there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
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Permalink Reply by Alicia Curtis on
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Great though Jacques - it definitely makes a huge difference!
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