5 Insights to Build Credibility

Last week I was excited to host a leadership panel where we discussed "Take Your Seat at the Table: Building Credibility" as part of Seattle's Women in Tech Regatta. We had a diverse and inspiring panel of local leaders who offered great perspectives and advice. I’d like to share a few key takeaways from each panelist for how to build credibility. 

Rick Wong - CEO, The Five Abilities

Take a seat at the table, literally! At meetings think about how you show up as a leader and literally sit at the table instead of around the perimeter. It seems like a small thing, but it makes a big difference. Also, build trust by being an advocate for your co-workers and helping them with introductions to your network.

 Colleen Fukui-Sketchley - Senior Director, Diversity & Inclusion at F5 Networks

Understand your brand and how you show up both personally and professionally. Ask people in your network to describe you in 3 words - that is your brand! Now you can choose if you want to reinforce it or change it.

 Shannon Swift - CEO, Swift HR Solutions

Be a sponge and go deep on learning everything you can about a situation because credibility is earned by knowing your stuff. Also, you can add value by being responsive, confident (even if you don't feel that way), anticipating questions, and being prepared. 

 Amy Nelson - CEO, The Riveter

Know your audience and target your message how they want to hear it. Look at the people at your table; who are you talking to and what do they care about? Build confidence and credibility by showing up to your audience in the right way, even down to how you're dressed.

 Sydne Mullings - Business Process Engineering Leader, Microsoft

Talk about who you are and why you are there to show your credibility. Ask questions and learn about the other people. Who are they and where are they going? Also, ask this powerful question, "what does amazing look like"?

One of my favorite ways to build credibility is to recall your own professional success story. As we closed the panel discussion, we asked participants to partner up and share a success story. After spending 10 minutes re-living their success stories, everyone walked away feeling empowered, confident, and credible!

 If credibility is what you want to increase, then join us with the action item to think about one thing you can do to increase your credibility. Write it down and take action!