Why Credibility Matters More Than Ever

”Once you lose credibility, that’s the kiss of death.”

Credibility is one of the most vital aspects of human relationships — it embodies trust. Once you lose your credibility, you become untrustworthy.

But do you truly understand how crucial credibility is? Do you grasp its meaning, how it functions, and why it’s important in business, family life, society, and community? Credibility sets you apart from others; it determines whether your children will trust you.

It’s a profound concept, and understanding how it works will broaden your perspective and influence how you navigate life. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Understanding Credibility

Credibility refers to the quality of being trusted and believed in, whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or public life. When people perceive you as reliable, they are more likely to respect your opinions, listen to your ideas, and engage with you positively.

Credibility is about trust; it falls under the psychological principle known as the Liking Effect, which suggests we are more likely to support those we trust.

I’ve applied this principle in my personal life, influencing people I never thought I could reach. It all boils down to trust and understanding. If you recognize the power of credibility, you won’t be surprised when others gravitate toward you.

The strength of credibility is so powerful it can change narratives, influence opinions, and even change attitudes.

However, before you can wield this power, you must understand its implications. Only then can you use it to your advantage and avoid the pitfalls that lead to a loss of credibility.

The Consequences of Losing Credibility

The saying “losing credibility is the kiss of death” is true, particularly in business and personal relationships. Once trust is broken, it can be incredibly difficult to rebuild. People become skeptical of your intentions.

As a child, you likely trusted your parents without doubt. If they said to go left, you went left; if they said to go right, you followed. Have you ever wondered why, as you grow older, you start questioning their advice?

It’s not that you hate them; rather, you begin to question their opinions as you gain independence. Like Miles, you say, “Nah imma do my own thing,” because you start to develop your judgment they stop supporting you as they used to.

This shift creates a rift in your relationship with your parents, leading to a loss of credibility in your eyes. As you become less trusting, the bond weakens.

The Role of Credibility in Business

In business, credibility is everything — especially if you want to thrive. Companies that lose credibility face decreased customer loyalty, negative publicity, and ultimately, financial losses.

Why do you think people prefer to buy from small businesses? They believe these businesses care more about their customers than large corporations do.

Sadly, many small businesses fail to recognize this.

Big brands often try to maintain their credibility through free samples or giveaways. They know if you receive something for free, you’re likely to tell your family and friends, thereby promoting their credibility.

Who doesn’t love free stuff? (Definitely not me) When you receive something valuable at no cost, you naturally want to tell others — Out of sheer happiness.

I think it’s a smart strategy, these mega companies use the psychological power of Free and Reciprocity to build credibility. Consider how companies engage in damage control: they give back to the community.

While it may seem manipulative, it’s a smart move. One company that excels at this is Nestlé. They’ve been managing damage control for years, which is why their business continues to thrive.

When they lose credibility, they are so good at getting it back. Why do you think they give away all those free Nescafé samples?

Do yourself a favor and check the history of Nestlé; you’ll understand what I mean.

Maintaining Your Credibility

Having credibility is important, but how do you maintain it? First and foremost, it must come from the heart. Often, people and businesses lose credibility due to greed, selfishness, and self-centeredness.

The big companies understand this, and that's why they know the best path to reclaiming their credibility involves acts of goodwill — after all, being good initially earned them that trust.

To maintain your credibility, remember it’s not just about you; it’s about others as well. People tend to gravitate toward genuinely good people, which is why we often vote for politicians who have demonstrated a commitment to doing good.

Life isn’t solely about your interests; it’s about helping others and uplifting them in any way you can. When you adopt this mindset, even if you make mistakes, people are more likely to understand that your intentions come from a good place.

When you make mistakes, acknowledge them. Be empathetic and sympathetic. By doing so, you will preserve your credibility, and others will see you as a trustworthy person.