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Two Critical Elements of Credibility
September 13th, 2012
by Bill Boyajian

In the last several weeks we looked at how the key to communication is listening — and truly caring — about the people around you. It’s more than speaking and writing, as important as these are. It’s not what we say, but how we say it. It’s not what we do, but how we do it. You also learned the importance of remembering names, and how miscommunication is the result of differing assumptions and expectations.

Credibility is the next of the Six Cs. It is based on two critical elements: trust and creativity. Trust would have helped an executive I know who forged a career at a Fortune 500 company. He had superior qualities of leadership in most every facet, except credibility. Despite heavy encouragement and counseling, he couldn’t engender the trust of his peers and subordinates. Though strong in leadership capabilities, he was weak in leadership credibility. Devoted followers must see credibility in action, repeatedly and with consistency.

The second element of credibility, though less obvious, is creativity. Not the kind that comes from sitting in a think tank for days on end. It’s the kind of creativity that builds confidence in those being led. Credible leaders do this through innovation. They are curious, open-minded, and visionary. Followers know that their leader understands how to take them to new heights and share in successes. Credibility, then, is more than trusting someone to be honest, to treat you fairly, and to be dependable. Those are vital. But followers must also have confidence in those leading. That confidence comes from leaders who are creative in a way that engenders the support of those they lead.



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Managing Partner,
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
Birmingham, AL

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Leitzel Fine Jewelry
Hershey & Myerstown, PA

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Kizer-Cummings Jewelers
Lawrence, KS