Credibility: An Important Ingredient to have

Exodus 20:2, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Credibility is the model God chose to use as he introduced himself to His people, choosing not to define himself by a name, but by what he did.

Credibility is not universally inherent; it must be earned over time. Some people earn it sooner than others based upon the quality of their relationships. Others must prove their worthiness to be deemed credible, perhaps based on previously broken promises or a lack of honesty, inspiration, or competence. Ultimately, credibility is determined by those who surround a person. A person who lacks the aforementioned crucial ingredients is one people are less likely to want to be around with. Credible people possess the ability to leave a long-lasting, positive impact on people's lives.

Credibility has traditionally been defined as being trustworthy, competent and inspiring, consistency, fairness, concern, clarity, honesty, sensitivity, sincerity, commitment, enthusiasm, excitement and unambiguous support for the task.

Credible people make people feel:

· Important

· Valued

· Motivated

· Enthusiastic

· Challenged

· Inspired

· Capable

· Supported

· Powerful

· Respected

· Proud

Why is credibility so Important

1. One defining characteristic of people who are effective over long periods of time, it's that they behave in ways that cause people to see them as credible. That means that they are believed, and trusted, both in the specifics of what they say, and generally, as people.

2. Credible people are consistent in their words and their behaviors. They are not constantly shifting courses, and reversing their decisions. They are relatively predictable.

3. Credible people are honest to the degree that it's reasonably possible to be so. Honesty does not necessarily mean sharing everything (since some things often need to remain confidential). It does mean that what can be shared is the truth, even if it may not be the whole truth.

4. Credibility and trustworthiness occur through personal contact, and effective interpersonal communication. For example, a responsive person will be perceived as more credible and trustworthy as compared to a relatively non-responsive person. A person who knows when to interact face-to-face will tend to be seen as more credible, and inspire greater loyalty compared to a person who uses or misuses technology based communication.

5. Our influence has less to do with our position or title than it does with the life we live. It's not about position, but production. It is not the education we get, but the empowerment we give, that makes a difference to others.

6. We gain credibility when our life matches our talk and when both add value to others. How are you doing when it comes to credibility?

7. Credible people do the right things for the right reasons. Trust is built over time.

8. Credible people attract enthusiastic and committed people to be with them. Credibility is important in many areas, not just in leadership roles.

9. No matter what your role or position, credibility is something that you have to earn. It takes time, patience, and consistency to build it.

10. Our credibility, to a large part, determines if anyone will follow us or not. Leaders must earn the trust and confidence of the people they serve.

11. Credibility makes a difference. People can differentiate between the behaviors of individuals who are credible and those who are not. Being credible fosters favorable attitudes, greater pride, stronger spirit, and teamwork; more feelings of ownership and personal responsibility, and better alignment between personal and organizational values.

12. Credibility does not come with position; it must be earned. What one spends a lifetime earning can be severely damaged or perhaps lost in a second.

In order to become a credible person, one needs to be true to one’s own self. A person must say only those things, which he really believes in and his actions and behaviour are even more important. Actions and words of a person become integrated only when he has integrated personality. Practicing good deeds once a while will not enable a man to attain the status of a credibility, but he would have to adopt the habit of setting his own example in all circumstances.

Jeremiah 6:16

¹⁶ This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;
  ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ New International Version (NIV)

LET US GO BACK TO THE CROSS ROADS AND SEEK TO BE CREDIBLE IN OUR DAYS. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT LACKING IN ALL SPHERES OF OUR SOCIETY TODAY. VERY DIFFICULT TO GET CREDIBLE PEOPLE