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THE CREDIBILITY MAP

When others see you as credible, they’re more likely to commit time or resources to your ideas and proposals. This
credibility isn’t built on a single encounter or impression; it’s earned over time. Use this map to help guide your efforts
in establishing credibility.

RESEARCH
Your credibility doesn’t begin and
end with what you already know.
Leaders who inspire confidence are
constantly seeking out new research
and data to help them overcome
challenges and make difficult
RESPECT decisions. KNOWLEDGE
When people believe you sincerely Learn how—and when—to express
have their interests in mind, they your expertise. Credible leaders have
tend to trust you and your ideas several fields that they can talk about
more. Always give or share credit to with confidence, but they also know
those who contribute good ideas. their limits. Speak to your strengths
while empowering coworkers and
direct reports to handle areas of
expertise outside your own.

ADMIT FLAWS CREDENTIALS


When you own up to your flaws, Your past experiences and successes
people see you as truthful and can play a crucial role in building
therefore trustworthy. credibility if leveraged appropriately.
For example, you might mention a
qualification in a relevant field or an
accomplishment earlier in your career.

ENDORSEMENTS
Building credibility can be a slow
process, but once you begin to
inspire confidence in others, they will
often share this confidence with
others in your network. Win the
endorsements of several key team
members and others will be more
likely to view you as a credible leader.

© 2018 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business School Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

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