Credibility in the Workplace: A Not so Simple Formula

Nearly 40% of employees don't trust their manager and 30% of managers are considered "bad bosses". That leaves a large percentage of the workforce unhappy with their managers, untrusting of their motives and unable to connect with them on a "human" level. These poor interpersonal relationships cause miscommunication and resentment that undermines the overall productivity of the workplace. Any manager/owner who wants a highly productive and profitable workplace should consider increasing his/her credibility.

Credibility = Trust

Trust and credibility are intertwined with one another. You cannot find someone credible unless you first find them trustworthy. For example, if someone tells you a story that has a bad reputation of exaggeration you would say that their story is untrustworthy or not credible. Likewise a person tells you an amazing story and through the years you have know the person to always tell the truth you would call them trustworthy and credible.

Time + Honest = Credibility/Trust

One cannot have trust or credibility from a brief encounter on the bus or at the airport. Credibility and trust take time that could accumulate up to years. People will know through repeated encounters with a person that they tell the truth and act in a rational manner. The more time and the honesty displayed by the person the more credibility he/she has.

Time + Honesty = Credibility/Trust = Positive Interpersonal Relationships = Motivation = Productivity.

The formula is long but does strike at the heart of credibility and profitability. The more honest you are with workers and the more time you have the more credible you become. When your credibility is high you have positive interpersonal relationships with workers who respect and acknowledge your statements. This positive relationship leads to increased motivation to follow you as a leader and this again leads to increased productivity.