In my first Blog I talked about the importance Trust plays in organizations (business, marriage, etc.). What does it take to be Trusted as a Leader? In my view Trust is made up of 4 constructs:

1. Credibility, (includes the synonyms of trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity)
   
2. Respect,
   
3. Fairness, and
   
4. Responsibility
   

I will review all 4 constructs in subsequent Blogs over the next several days. In this post I will discuss the construct of Credibility.

Credibility synonyms include trustworthiness, reliability and integrity. So when I use the term credibility I am also referring to the constructs of trustworthiness, reliability and integrity. Credibility means the ability to inspire belief – believability. For a Leader to be credible he or she must "walk the talk" and do it with expertise. Being credible means you are going to do what you say you are going to do and that you are going to do it competently. To be credible also means that you must be transparent. You must have open and honest communications with others. There are no hidden agendas.

So if you want to improve your credibility try doing these 3 things:

1. Walk the Talk consistently
   
2. Exhibit behaviors that reflect expertise and being a competent Leader, and
   
3. Open and honest communications and no hidden agendas