According to author Stephen M.R. Covey, credibility is the foundation for building trust in any personal or professional relationship. And credibility, according to Covey, boils down to two simple questions:
#1: Can we trust ourselves?
#2: Can others trust us, too?
When we have credibility, Covey says, we have the ability to form long-lasting relationships that are built on a foundation of trust. Here are Covey's 4 Cores of Credibility, which the author says are essential for earning trust in any type of relationship.
Integrity: Integrity is about demonstrating consistency between our words and our actions. When people see that we are true to our words, they are more likely to trust us.
Intent: Intent is about demonstrating care and concern for others. When people feel that we have their best interests at heart, they are more inclined to trust us.
Capabilities: We instill confidence when we consistently demonstrate our competence. We show others that we are reliable and capable of meeting our commitments.
Results: Delivering on our promises and consistently achieving positive outcomes shows that we are dependable. Results are the tangible proof that we are trustworthy.
Covey's 4 Cores of Credibility are a reminder that there are no quick and easy ways to earn trust. Earning trust is a choice, a choice that we must embrace for each and every client that we meet.
