Skill Builder: Archived Page

December 21, 2009

The 4 Cores of Credibility

The good news regarding trust is that we can increase our credibility, and we can increase it fast, particularly if we understand the "4 Cores of Credibility." These are the foundational elements that make you believable to yourself and to others. What gives trust its harder, more pragmatic edge is recognizing that competence is as vital to trust as character, and that both character and competence are within our ability to create or to change.

The first two cores deal with character; the second two with competence. All four are necessary to self-trust.

Core 1: Integrity

To many, "integrity" basically means "honesty." While integrity includes honesty, it's much more. Integrity requires integratedness. It's walking your talk. It's being congruent, inside and out. It's having the courage to act in accordance with your values and beliefs. Most massive violations of trust are violations of integrity.

Increasing your Integrity:

Treat commitments to yourself as you would treat commitments to other important people in your life.
Exercise humility. Challenge the way you see the world: Are your own viewpoints totally accurate and complete? Do you seriously consider other viewpoints? What might be some times when you challenge yourself to consider other viewpoints?

Core 2: Intent

Intent has to do with our motives, our agendas, and our resulting behavior. Trust grows when our motives are straightforward and based on mutual benefit—in other words, when we genuinely care not only about ourselves, but also for the people we interact with or lead. When we suspect a hidden agenda from someone or we don't believe they are acting in our best interest, we are suspicious about everything they say and do.

Improving Your Intent:

Examine your motives. Ask yourself: What are some things that motivate my behavior? Am I motivated only by self-interest, or by the interests of all?
Choose abundance. Ask yourself: Do I believe that there are enough rewards, credit, recognition and benefits for everyone's interests to be served? How might I know when everyone's interests are being served?

Core 3: Capabilities

These are the abilities we have that inspire confidence: our talents, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and style. They are the means we use to produce results. They deal with our ability to establish, grow, extend and restore trust.

Building Your Capabilities:

Run with your strengths. What might be some of your strengths? Where might be some of your natural talents? What are some things you do best? Starve your weaknesses by teaming with others who are strong where you are weak.
Keep yourself relevant. Match your strengths to opportunities. What might be some areas where you can make a unique, high-value contribution?

Core 4: Results

This core refers to our track record, our performance, our getting the right things done. If we don't accomplish what we are expected to do, it diminishes our credibility. On the other hand, when we achieve the results we promised, we establish a positive reputation of performing, of being a producer. And our reputation precedes us.

Improving Your Results:

Take responsibility for results. Adopt a "results mind-set" rather than an "activity mind-set." Ask yourself: Will what I'm doing now lead to the results I want, or am I just staying busy? How might I know when I've reached the results I want to reach?
Expect to win. Openly express confidence in yourself and others. Create an emotional climate of high expectations.

"Ask yourself . . . mercilessly: Do I exude trust? E-x-u-d-e. Big word. Do I smack of 'trust'? Think about it. Carefully."

—Tom Peters

Covey, S. (2006). The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything. New York: Free Press.

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