 Authentic Credibility
by Dr. Keith E. Webb
My Great-Uncle went to Arizona and sent me a postcard of a Jackalope - a rabbit with horns. As an 8 year-old boy this strange animal looked authentic. When I said so to my older brother he laughed at me. So, I realized my Great-Uncle was a practical joker and not a credible source of animal information. However, he also sent a postcard of an Armadillo, which I didn't believe was a real animal until my first year of college.
In your ministry, are you credible? Credibility is determined by how people answers these two questions about us:
- Does she know what she is talking about? That's Competency.
- Will he do what he say he will? That's Reliability.
Wannabes & Posers
Some people have figured out the how-to-build-credibility game and rather than truly being competent and reliable, they do the things that will make themselves appear to be so. Things like:
- Advanced education or training
- Professional qualifications
- Speaking and writing on a topic
- Building a web presence through a blog or other social networking
The trouble is, someone who is both competent and reliable may also do many of the above activities.
Being Credible
How can we be authentically credible? These steps work for any area of expertise, but let's use coaching as an example:
1. Know Yourself
Romans 12:3 says, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment..." Soberly means not inflating yourself or deflating yourself in an attempt to appear humble.
2. Do Your Homework
Specialized training will improve your coaching and help others in your organization to see your dedication and interest in the process. Just don't be fooled into thinking that once you finish a coaching program or gain a professional credential that people now recognize you as a competent coach.
3. Be Helpful and Available
Be helpful by offering to coach those you know. Sometimes people don't know you are available and willing to coach them. Don't wait for someone to come to you. And certainly don't wait for your organization to create a coaching program and give you the title: Coach.
4. Word of (Someone Else's) Mouth
Jesus said as a tree is known by its fruit, so too people will be known by their fruit. Alan Weiss, a popular author of consulting books, says the "Platinum Standard" for getting new clients is referrals from other happy clients. As you helpfully coach others and make yourself available the word will get out and others will ask for your help.
Credibility is about having a "good name." I don't hear much talk about that these days. That's all the more reason your authentic credibility will stand out.
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Copyright © 2009 Keith E. Webb & CRM
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 Dr. Keith E. Webb is a trainer and experienced cross-cultural leadership coach helping organizations, teams, and individuals multiply their cross-cultural impact. Find free articles at http://www.CreativeResultsManagement.com.
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