First-Time Manager #16—Behaviors that Build Credibility

Note from Art: this content goes double for experienced managers! 

Building credibility is much like your fitness program—focus on the right activities at the right time and with the right frequency, and you grow stronger, faster, and more resilient.

16 Behaviors to Help Build Credibility as a Manager:

1. Respect is never optional. Dispense it in every encounter.
2. Operate with a strong foundation that includes a clear role definition and even clearer leadership values.
3. Show your coworkers you care about them as individuals.
4. Dispense all glory to them.
5. Listen more than you talk.
6. When you talk, provide context for the work.
7. When you talk, say what you mean and mean what you say.
8. Most talk should be in the form of questions, not orders.
9. Vow to never micro-manage.
10. See the prior point—commitment is commitment.
11. Set clear expectations and constantly reinforce accountability.
12. See the prior point—accountability starts with you.
13. Provide timely feedback on performance and behavior.
14. Use feed-forward to coach for the future.
15. See the point on respect. Supporting a person’s professional development is a high form of showing your respect.
16. When you make a mistake, first admit it and then fix it.

The Bottom-Line for Now:

There’s no such thing as too much credibility. Keep working at it.