Times have changed. I know that all “older” people say that, but it’s true. We seem to be constantly judging others, and when the other person doesn’t stand up to our scrutiny, we deem them to have no credibility. Without credibility, it is hard for you to be effective at work as people don’t trust you, rely on you, or often don’t even think about you. We are instantly dismissed without credibility.
Your credibility influences how others perceive your professionalism, reliability, and authority, which affects how successful you are at work.
I remember being taught (and I’m sure some of you were as well) to “dress for the job you want and not the job you have.” Well, those rules have changed, haven’t they because I don’t need to wear a suit to work each day, and I can still be credible. Our new work life means many people have flexible work hours and locations, so we cannot determine if they show up to work on time. Deadlines are often far more flexible than I remember them being, and the former rule of never discussing politics at work has virtually disappeared. Credibility isn’t quite measured the way it used to be measured.
But it is still essential.
How Everyday Behavior Affects Credibility
How do you treat others in shared spaces like hallways, lunchrooms, and meeting rooms? Do you clean up, make the next pot of coffee, and avoid having loud conversations on your mobile phone for all to hear? Are you aware that your seemingly casual conversations can have unintended consequences in common spaces?
For instance, frequently discussing personal grievances or sharing juicy gossip can damage your credibility. Imagine your colleague complains about management decisions in the break room. Even if these complaints are valid, this behavior might lead others to question the employee’s professionalism, attitude, loyalty, and reliability.
Think about how you are in meetings. Constantly interrupting or dominating the discussion, excessive side conversations, apparent disinterest (playing on your phone or laptop), or dismissing others’ input can erode trust and respect, which impacts your credibility. If you are the only one who doesn’t turn their camera on during a meeting, what message are you sending?
The Influence of Social Media and External Interactions
If you are on any social media, you know it is filled with political commentary and general negativity. I can admit that what other people post impacts my perception of them. I have judged others based on their personal feelings and, fairly or not, it impacts if I even want to interact with them. It’s unfair, but I’m being honest. What you post online can affect your professional reputation. Even if your social media accounts are private, colleagues may still come across your content. A weekend post showcasing excessive partying or a rant about workplace frustrations can easily be screenshotted and shared with others.
Beyond social media, workplace credibility extends to external interactions. I’ve attended different conferences where people brag about how their company sends them to the conference, but they use the time to explore or sit by the pool and don’t attend any of the educational sessions at all! Suppose a client hears you speaking negatively about your company at a networking event. Even if the comments were intended as a joke, they could still circulate back to the workplace. Being intentional about what you share and how you present yourself outside of work is crucial for maintaining credibility.
The Power of Language in Professional Settings
The words we choose shape how others perceive us. Using absolutes like “always” and “never” can undermine credibility by making statements sound exaggerated or emotionally charged. For example, if you tell a supervisor, “I always get blamed for everyone else’s mistakes,” it may come across as defensive or childish. Instead, framing concerns with specificity—such as “I would appreciate more clarity on expectations to improve my performance”—demonstrates professionalism and maturity.
Avoiding jargon, overly complex words, or filler phrases creates clarity, which impacts your creditability. One of my first managers was very happy with his ‘word of the day’ to show his knowledge of the dictionary. He was trying to impress us. Instead of using fancy or complicated language to impress, focus on direct and concise communication. For example, instead of saying, “I will add this to my agenda and ensure its completion,” a simple “I’ll take care of it” is more effective and clear.
The Impact of Weak Language and Over-Apologizing
Using weak or uncertain language can diminish your credibility. Overusing phrases like “I think,” “maybe,” or “I’ll try” can make you appear unsure, unconfident, or hesitant. Compare these two statements:
– “I think I can have the report done by Friday.”
– “The report will be ready by Friday.”
The second statement exudes confidence, which in turn fosters trust.
Over-apologizing is another credibility killer. If an employee constantly says, “Sorry for bothering you,” “Sorry for the delay,” or “Sorry for any confusion,” it can create the impression that they lack confidence. Apologizing should be reserved for situations where accountability is necessary. Instead of saying, “Sorry, she’s not available right now,” try, “She’s currently unavailable—how can I assist you?” Small adjustments like these can have a big impact on how others perceive your authority and reliability.
Eliminating Filler Words and Over-Pausing
Filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “you know” can weaken the impact of your statements. While occasional use is natural, excessive reliance on them can make you seem unprepared or unsure. If you frequently use filler words, consider recording yourself speaking and listening for patterns. If you ask your best friend or spouse if you use these fillers more than average, they will tell you the truth! Practicing deliberate pauses instead of filling gaps with “um” or “like” can help you sound more polished and confident.
Similarly, strategic pausing can enhance credibility. Rapid, non-stop talking can make you seem nervous or unorganized, while excessive pausing may suggest uncertainty. Simply pause naturally where punctuation would fall in writing. For example, after completing a key point, a brief pause allows listeners to absorb the information and reinforces your authority and credibility.
Strengthening Your Professional Presence
Credibility is built through consistent actions, clear communication, and professional behavior. Be mindful of how you interact with colleagues, engage on social media, and communicate in the workplace. By paying attention, you can strengthen your reputation and gain the trust of those around you. Minor adjustments in language, behavior, and self-awareness can impact how others perceive your professionalism and reliability.
Having credibility helps you do what you need to do at work. People are more willing to work with you, trust you, and value what you do. Building credibility by paying attention to how others perceive you is worth it.
This article was written by Rhonda Scharf and not by artificial intelligence.
