The Significance of Professional Credibility

You don’t need a fancy title to be taken seriously at work. What you need is trust, consistency, and presence. Whether you’re brand new, managing a team, or somewhere in between, credibility is your workplace currency. And the best part? You can build it on purpose. Here are ten ways to boost your credibility without waiting for a promotion: 1. Do What You Say You’ll Do ↳Don’t overpromise. Don’t miss deadlines without notice. If you say you’ll have something done by Friday, follow through—or speak up early if the timeline changes. People trust what they can count on. 2. Speak Clearly and Confidently ↳Rambling or using buzzwords doesn’t impress anyone. Instead, organize your thoughts and get to the point. Clarity shows you know what you’re talking about—and that earns respect. 3. Be Honest About What You Don’t Know ↳No one expects you to have every answer. But pretending you do? That backfires. It’s better to say, “I’ll find out and get back to you,”—and then actually follow up. The pros are the ones who close their knowledge gaps quickly. 4. Ask Good Questions ↳Not just surface-level ones, but the kind that show curiosity and critical thinking. For example: “Why does this process work this way?” Smart questions reflect a smart mind—and people notice. 5. Come Prepared ↳Winging it won’t take you far. Review the agenda, know what you need to bring, and come ready to contribute. Being prepared shows professionalism and builds trust fast. 6. Write Like You Mean It ↳Every message you send—email, Slack, or doc—leaves an impression. Keep it clear, organized, and to the point. Good writing makes people take you seriously, even when you’re not in the room. 7. Use Data to Back Up Your Points ↳Don’t just say something went well. Say, “We improved efficiency by 27% in six weeks.” Concrete results speak louder than general praise. 8. Be Reliable, Not Just Impressive ↳Anyone can have a good day. The people who get promoted and trusted are the ones who show up with the same energy and quality—day in, day out. Consistency is what sets you apart. 9. Know the Room and the Culture ↳Watch how people communicate. Understand when to speak up and when to listen. Adapt your style while staying true to yourself. Being aware of your environment is a real leadership skill. 10. Give Credit Freely ↳Celebrate others. Highlight their work. It doesn’t have to be loud or showy—just sincere. People remember the ones who lift others up without needing anything in return. The Bottom Line ↳You don’t need a title to earn trust—you need intention. ↳Credibility is built decision by decision, moment by moment. ↳When people see you as clear, consistent, capable, and respectful, you become the person they trust when it counts. Which one do you think is the best? ⬇️ ♻️ Repost to help your network. ➕ Follow Ricardo Cuellar for more workplace insights.

Some of the worst advice out there... not only can you smell it a mile away, but it actually sets you back more than in propels you forward. “Fake It Till You Make It." The mentality might seem harmless... or even empowering. but here’s the truth: it’s a strategy that holds you back in the long run. When we rely on posturing or “faking it,” we create temporary value... a shaky foundation that breeds uncertainty and self-doubt over time. This approach can chip away at genuine confidence, leaving you second-guessing your abilities rather than embracing your true strengths. If you’re “kind of” believing in what you can do, it will lead to “kind of” results. And let’s be honest: no one invests in that. Here’s a path that builds lasting impact and real credibility: 1. Embrace Where You Are Right Now. Actionable Step: List out the top 3 strengths you bring to the table today. Focus on where you already add value. Use this clarity as your guide when you’re in new or challenging situations. This way, you’re building on a solid, authentic foundation... not pretending to be somewhere you’re not. Starting with a clear view of your strengths gives you a confidence rooted in reality... and equips you to approach each opportunity with authenticity. 2. Get Clear on Your Unique Value. Actionable Step: Identify one specific problem you can solve that aligns with your skills and expertise. Write it down in one sentence (e.g., “I help teams bridge strategy and execution gaps to drive measurable results.”). Use this as a go-to when you’re speaking with potential clients or partners. This clarity around your value will set you apart, making it easier for others to see why they should work with you... not just anyone who fits the role. 3. Bridge Your Gaps Authentically. Actionable Step: Acknowledge a skill or area you’re actively developing. Take one concrete action toward growth each week... whether that’s: - reading - building relationships - mentoring Share this journey with trusted colleagues or clients... without underselling yourself... so they experience your commitment to excellence and your drive to evolve. Owning both your strengths and areas for growth builds long-term credibility and shows others that you’re committed to being the best version of yourself. It’s how true leaders inspire and foster trust. And trust accelerates EVERYTHING.

Why Your Brilliant Ideas Get Ignored: The Hidden Psychology of Workplace Credibility Research consistently shows that workplace credibility is established within the first 30 seconds of interaction, yet many professionals struggle with being taken seriously due to presentation rather than competence. Here's what I observe coaching professionals: we focus on being right while ignoring the psychology of being heard. The credibility killers sabotaging your career:  → Apologizing before sharing ideas ("This might be wrong, but...")  → Over-explaining to prove competence instead of demonstrating confidence → Speaking in questions instead of statements ("Maybe we should consider...?") After coaching individuals for over 20 years, I’ve noticed that people often make competency judgments very quickly, and these judgments are usually based on confidence markers rather than expertise, such as strong, steady eye contact, a clear and measured speaking voice, and assured physical presence It’s a perceived authority that comes from specific behavioral signals that can be learned. Here’s a credibility framework that I use with clients and that works: 🔹 Master Decisive Communication  ➤ Replace "I think maybe we could..." with "I recommend we..." Replace questions with statements.  ↳ Tentative language signals uncertainty about your expertise. 🔹 Own Your Contributions  ➤ Start with "Based on my analysis..." Never start with apologies or disclaimers.  ↳ People respect professionals who own their expertise rather than downplay it. 🔹 Use Strategic Silence  ➤ After making a point, pause for 3 seconds instead of immediately explaining further.  ↳ Over-explaining signals insecurity. Confident professionals make their point and trust it. 🔹 Document Your Impact  ➤ Keep a weekly record of contributions and outcomes. Reference these in discussions.  ↳ Concrete examples establish credibility more quickly than generic claims about hard work. Being taken seriously isn't about fairness—it's about psychology. The most respected person understands how credibility actually works. Stop hoping your work will speak for itself. Start speaking for your work with the authority it deserves. Coaching can help; let's chat. Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Joshua Miller for more tips on coaching, leadership, career + mindset. #CareerAdvice #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Workplace #ExecutiveCoaching #Communication

One of the best pieces of career advice I ever received? “Your reputation walks into the room before you do.” In M&A, corporate governance, or any high-stakes leadership role, this couldn’t be more true. Deals are done — or undone — based on trust. Boards lean in or pull back based on confidence. And younger professionals rise faster when they’re known for integrity, responsiveness, and sound judgment. Early in my career, I focused relentlessly on delivering for clients. But over time, I learned that how you show up — consistently, respectfully, and with quiet authority — builds a reputation that carries more weight than any résumé ever could. So here’s my advice for anyone navigating the professional world: Do the work — but do it with care and clarity Show up early, follow through always Listen more than you speak And never forget: people remember how you made them feel under pressure Reputations are earned quietly. But they speak loudly. #Leadership #CareerAdvice #ReputationMatters #ProfessionalGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #Governance #TrustAndIntegrity

Credibility is the cornerstone of every successful communications and PR strategy. Without it, everything crumbles: - Media relationships - Brand perception - Stakeholder trust - Even stock price 📉 Whether you're managing a principal, leading a public brand, or steering your organization through a crisis, the anxiety is the same. Will we get it right? What if we don’t? Are we thinking far enough ahead? This was at the heart of our conversation with Eric Schultz, Senior Advisor to President Obama and trusted PR strategist for Hollywood and political heavyweights. Eric shared a simple but profound insight: credibility isn’t built in the moment — it’s built over time. Here are some of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation: ✅ Think Long-Term: Eric emphasized the importance of asking: how will this decision feel a week, a month, or five years from now? Credibility is about more than short-term wins — it’s about creating a narrative that stands the test of time. ✅ Anticipate Public Perception: Whether in Washington or Hollywood, Eric highlighted that the best communicators anticipate how their actions will resonate down the line. This foresight is critical in managing both crises and media opportunities. ✅ Control the Narrative: In high-pressure moments, controlling the story is everything. From political campaigns to media empires, success comes down to shaping public perception before it shapes you. ✅ Build Lasting Credibility: To maintain credibility, tell stories that reflect your authentic brand, rely on statements backed by research and data, and use transparent communication when it comes to crisis management. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this conversation, it’s that credibility doesn’t just happen — it’s earned through deliberate choices and consistency over time. Link to full webinar in comments below. A must watch for Eric’s insights on shaping public perception, especially if you couldn’t attend live 👇

This million-dollar career move is ignored by 95% of professionals. It's also what causes meteoric career advancement: → Becoming the most credible person in the room. Because guess what? Hours are not rewarded. Titles are not rewarded. Even results alone are not rewarded. Credibility is rewarded. The people who get promoted fastest, get paid most, and generally have the easiest time in their career have one thing on lock: → Everyone believes they’ll do what they say they’ll do. Early in my career, I lost my credibility in a 30-second conversation (a story for another time). I changed jobs shortly after that episode, but it took me a long time to let go of the guilt. It was 30 years ago and I still remember it! Here's the cheat sheet I wish I had in my early career. Your credibility stands on 3 foundational pillars: 1. Expertise That Matters → Develop rare, valuable skills in your field → Ask the critical questions no one else asks → Bring solutions, not just problems → Stay continuously ahead of industry trends 2. Rock-Solid Reliability → Come overprepared for every meeting → Only promise what you know you can deliver → Follow through, every time, without fail → Hit deadlines, every time (and if you can't, tell them early) 3. Unshakeable Integrity → Practice radical transparency, even when it's tough → Stand by your ethics, even under pressure → Own every mistake, immediately → Share credit more generously than you think is wise The 5 highest-leverage activities to build credibility: • Take on the highest visibility challenges others shy away from • Create content that showcases your deep expertise • Build bridges by helping others achieve their goals • Maintain a "success portfolio" of all your wins • Seek out high-stakes situations to demonstrate reliability You'll know your credibility is compounding when: ✓ You're given new autonomy without asking ✓ Your name comes up positively when you're not around ✓ Leaders regularly seek your input first ✓ You're trusted with confidential information ✓ People line up to work on your projects Remember: Credibility takes years to build, seconds to lose, and twice as long to rebuild. That 30-second conversation taught me this the hard way: Building trust is the highest ROI "hack" in any career. What's your best tip for building professional credibility?👇 -------- ♻️ Repost to share this million-dollar career move with your network. 👉 Follow me Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more advice on how to connect, share, grow, and shine in your career! 📫 Subscribe to Women in Consumer Finance for features like this delivered to your inbox. (https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0)

85% of employees say this trait is key to your career growth. Not leadership or communication or time management skills. But Trustworthiness. Here’s what research has found about being trustworthy (link in comments): ↳54% more likely to receive help and support ↳40% more meaningful social connections ↳76% greater ability to influence others ↳20% less anxiety and depression Here are the 4 domains to focus on if you want to be trustworthy: ➡️Credibility ↳Own up to your mistakes. ↳Be honest and transparent ↳Provide evidence for your claims ↳Share your expertise and knowledge ➡️Reliability ↳Be punctual and prepared ↳Follow through on promises ↳Meet your commitments consistently ↳Communicate proactively about delays ➡️Vulnerability ↳Ask for help when needed ↳Be open about your emotions ↳Show empathy towards others ↳Share your challenges and failures ➡️Selflessness ↳Prioritize others' needs and interests ↳Share credit for successes with the team ↳Offer help without expecting anything in return ↳Actively listen to understand others’ perspectives That’s it! Credibility + Reliability + Vulnerability + Selflessness = Trustworthy. Becoming Trustworthy = Thriving Career + Optimal Mental Wellbeing. --------------- ♻️Share this with others to help them become trustworthy ☝️Follow/connect with me. I believe there’s so much we can learn from each other.

One of the most profound signs that you possess true credibility is when others begin to use your profile as a stepping stone to bolster their own. Credibility is not a mere accolade or a badge to be worn; it’s an earned recognition, a testament to your expertise, integrity, and the genuine value you bring to the table. In a world inundated with information, credibility acts as a filter, guiding individuals to sources that are not just informative but trustworthy. The true litmus test of credibility lies in the ripple effect it creates. When other individuals, be they colleagues, peers, or even strangers in the vast expanse of the internet, choose to associate themselves with your profile, they are essentially vouching for your trustworthiness. They are recognizing your expertise as a guiding light, drawing strength from your knowledge, and lending credence to your words. In this digital age, where reputations are often built one endorsement at a time, having others utilize your profile to enhance their own is the ultimate testament to your credibility. It signifies that your words are not just heard; they are respected, valued, and wield influence. It underscores the profound impact you’ve made, not just in your field of expertise but in the lives and careers of those who look up to you.

How do you differentiate when everybody knows everybody? We live in a network-based ecosystem with LinkedIn, conferences, circles, and groups. Crossing paths with former colleagues or business partners within a particular industry is common. However, I also meet with individuals who state that their network is small and that it's hard for them to land their next role. The reality is that you don't have to be friends with those in decision-making roles. But you must be able to differentiate yourself from the masses. After all, when someone is looking to hire you, they are looking for results more than familiarity. Their choice of candidate or vendor also impacts the hiring manager's career success. Whether you are an individual looking for your next role or a company seeking clients, your differentiation will increase your chances of being selected. Four factors are at play - credibility, believability, trust, and value. 1. Credibility: How well do you showcase your credibility? Having the right expertise is only a start. Your brand must show that you have been around the block, learned from successes and failures, and know how to work around gray areas. A deeper understanding of the nuances of the role you are applying to or the project you pitch dramatically helps. Generic resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or company pitch decks will not help much. 2. Believability: Is your brand believable? If you have only 8 years of experience as a doer or expert and are applying for a position that demands 15+ years of well-rounded leadership experience, how much is that believable? Look at it from the hiring manager's perspective. There is little alignment if you claim big swings in savings and work for companies whose total revenue is a fraction of the hiring manager's annual budget. 3. Trustability Trust generally takes time to build. However, it's highly misunderstood. You don't have to work with a person for many years before you gain their trust. Trust building happens in stages through small, consistent, disciplined actions. While I may trust someone I have worked with for many years with something, I am willing to trust an unknown candidate with a much bigger budget and responsibility based on the interview process, their career trajectory, references, their homework through the interview preparation, and how they respond to my questions. 4. Value: It is of little value. Another highly misunderstood term is value. Although one may be an expert in a particular field or technology, there is still no clear and direct mapping between that experience and the company's points or opportunities. Also, given shifts in the company's priorities and focus, what is of high value will continue to change. Are we observant and proactively adapting our approach to those changes? This is one reason why someone considered highly valuable at the time of hire can sometimes find their value to the organization diminish. #datapreneursdaily

Your reputation is your most valuable asset.⠀ ⠀ It’s the reason clients choose you over the attorney down the street and why your peers refer cases to you.⠀ ⠀ But building a strong, lasting reputation doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of deliberate actions that showcase your expertise, integrity, and value.⠀ ⠀ Potential clients should immediately understand who you are, what you do, and how you can help them. This message needs to be clear and uniform across all platforms—your website, social media profiles, business cards, and even your in-person interactions.⠀ ⠀ For instance, if you specialize in estate planning for high-net-worth individuals, your messaging should reflect this focus in every touchpoint. ⠀ ⠀ A key component of standing out is positioning yourself as a go-to authority in your area of law. One of the best ways to do this is by sharing your knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. Start by writing articles, creating videos, or hosting webinars on topics relevant to your clients.⠀ ⠀ Address common questions, explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, or provide insights on industry trends. ⠀ ⠀ Your professional image says a lot about your practice. In today’s digital-first world, your website and social media profiles are often the first impression potential clients have of you. Ensuring these touchpoints are polished and professional can significantly enhance your credibility. ⠀ ⠀ Think of your online presence as your digital handshake—it should be as professional and engaging as you are in person.⠀ ⠀ If you’re serious about building a reputation that outshines the competition, there’s no better way than writing a book. A book is the ultimate symbol of expertise and authority in any industry, and for attorneys, it’s a game-changer.⠀ ⠀ By writing a book, you create a tangible asset that showcases your knowledge and sets you apart as a thought leader. It opens doors to speaking engagements, media opportunities, and partnerships, all while giving potential clients a reason to trust you over competitors.⠀ ⠀ Start today, and watch how your efforts transform your practice.