I think that 'proof' of credibility ultimately lies in meaty, meaningful experience that you can 'speak' to in some depth/breadth; and a record of tangible results that you can show (not just tell) others.
Credibility, I believe, takes time to accrue; it's a combination of real and perceived reputation; reputation that can be backed up (not just flash). Often, it means you have show years (not merely months) of roll-up-your-sleeves impact.
How you 'know' if you have credibility (at least in my experience as a small business owner serving individuals and mid-sized businesses for 14 years), is is you maintain a positive reputation, garner consistent referrals, and ultimately, remain 'in business.' : )
I'll be curious what others say! Intriguing questions! Thanks!
Jacqui, so well said. My thoughts going into this is that credibility is in the "I" - what a person has done and experienced and you captured that thought perfectly. I too am curiuos about other perspectives. Let's see what other have to say. . .
Most of the time this question is speaking of credibility of my work - is my track record credible (y/n)? I believe there is more to credibility than work or character.
In America, we believe work is a reflection of character, (quality work = quality person, shoddy work = shoddy person). This may or may not be true, what if the person is not aligned to their talents? Shoddy work could = misaligned person)?
I would offer that my experience has credibility. My point of view if you will. If I see things differently than others – as long as that point of view (generally shaped by experiences) has credibility. Unfortunately, living in America, too often the first jump people make is to evidence of work.
This leads me to a credibility of vision. Martin Luther King Jr. did not have credible experience. His speech was “I have a dream” not “I have completed an assignment”.
What about credibility of awareness (something women have in spades over men, ever heard the expression 'men don't get it?"). This one I think is all too lacking in America. We have no credible awareness and are often compared to teenagers on the world stage when others speak of our foreign relations. Imagine how much more credible America would be if we were more aware of others in the world.
Lisa, what a thought-provoking post! Credibility is so important because all we have left is our word and reputation. It can be seen real and even perceived. Surprisingly both matter. It says who we are.
March 31, 2011
Reader Comments (4)
Powerful post.
I think that 'proof' of credibility ultimately lies in meaty, meaningful experience that you can 'speak' to in some depth/breadth; and a record of tangible results that you can show (not just tell) others.
Credibility, I believe, takes time to accrue; it's a combination of real and perceived reputation; reputation that can be backed up (not just flash). Often, it means you have show years (not merely months) of roll-up-your-sleeves impact.
How you 'know' if you have credibility (at least in my experience as a small business owner serving individuals and mid-sized businesses for 14 years), is is you maintain a positive reputation, garner consistent referrals, and ultimately, remain 'in business.' : )
I'll be curious what others say! Intriguing questions! Thanks!
Jacqui
I believe there is more to credibility than work or character.
In America, we believe work is a reflection of character, (quality work = quality person, shoddy work = shoddy person). This may or may not be true, what if the person is not aligned to their talents? Shoddy work could = misaligned person)?
I would offer that my experience has credibility. My point of view if you will. If I see things differently than others – as long as that point of view (generally shaped by experiences) has credibility. Unfortunately, living in America, too often the first jump people make is to evidence of work.
This leads me to a credibility of vision. Martin Luther King Jr. did not have credible experience. His speech was “I have a dream” not “I have completed an assignment”.
What about credibility of awareness (something women have in spades over men, ever heard the expression 'men don't get it?"). This one I think is all too lacking in America. We have no credible awareness and are often compared to teenagers on the world stage when others speak of our foreign relations. Imagine how much more credible America would be if we were more aware of others in the world.
What other areas of credibility are there?
Thank you,
Patricia Knight
http://patriciaknight.wordpress.com/