How to Earn Credibility and Influence Results

Showing up with confidence helps you build credibility at work. Displaying confidence at work is more important than having a specific title or background. Behaving confidently helps your voice be heard, valued, and respected.

CHOOSE AMONG THESE METHODS TO EARN CREDIBILITY AND INFLUENCE RESULTS.

Encourage Strategic Thinking

Develop your knowledge, skills, and mindset for strategic thinking:

• Continuously build your knowledge of the business and industry.
• Focus on the industry trends, challenges, and opportunities that impact your organization.
• Be aware of risks and issues that fall outside of your role or department.
• Consider others’ beliefs and perspectives.
• Proactively develop solutions to problems.
• Stay open to learning and changing your beliefs and actions.

Ask questions to encourage strategic thinking

Bring up questions during team or management meetings that focus on strategic thinking:

• Why are we [taking a specific action]?
• Is [a specific action] sustainable?
• Why did our results [in a specific area] significantly improve from [last week/month/year]?
• How does our company compare to the competition [in a specific product/service line]?
• What are employees saying about [a specific change within the organization]?

Advocate for Others

Speak up on behalf of your employees, colleagues, and coworkers. For instance, if you noticed Employee A taking credit for Employee B’s idea, share that you heard Employee B present the idea first and ask them to discuss it further.

Advocating for others strengthens their respect for you. As a result, others are likely to advocate for you as well.

Tips to Establish Credibility at Work

Use these tips to earn credibility at work and secure your place at the table:

• Wear attire that enhances your professional image.
• Maintain an organized work area.
• Openly communicate with others at all levels of the organization.
• Focus on the tasks and issues that most impact your job and company.
• Believe in who you are and what you have to say.
• Build authentic relationships with colleagues, coworkers, and company leaders.
• Sit near the head of the table or in the middle of the front row during meetings and training.
• Clearly and concisely state your ideas, findings, and feedback.
• Remain calm under pressure.
• Offer and accept help when needed.
• Engage in regular self-care to reduce stress.
• Partner with mentors and a sponsor to enhance your strategic experience.
• Make data-based business decisions.
• Admit and learn from your mistakes.
• Navigate forward during uncertain times.
• Change direction as needed.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE PROFESSIONALS OR A NEW ROLE?

Mercer Bradley can match you with experienced accounting and finance professionals or a new role in Winnipeg. Contact us or visit our job board to start the process today!