Credibility

What do you think of when you hear the word, credibility? The book definition is "the quality of being trusted." Trust and credibility are both traits that you cannot give yourself. Only others can give it to you. Now, the question....how do we inspire people to trust us, to gives us credibility?

Well, showing someone you truly care about them and have their best interests at heart is the first step. Once people begin to learn about you, they will want to know some things about your past....your "story". Many of us have been through tough times. Relating this to people shows that you, too, have struggled and know the feelings of how hard life can be. You build your credibility to lead people by the storms you have endured.

Have you ever seen those TV preachers? they always act as though they have been walking on water since the age of 5. Who can relate to that? How does this build their credibility? Do we even believe this person? Hard for me to. I can definitely respect the people who say, and show, that they have endured struggles. That they have walked through the fire and come out the other side a better person for the experience. That person has built their credibility with me.

So, do you want to have credibility in peoples eyes? Do you want the "quality of being trusted"? If you do, then show people how much you care for them. Be honest in who and what you are. And be transparent about your struggles, either from the past or in the present. You will then inspire trust and earn your credibility.