Tf: (800) 288-6044 | w: Barry L. Brown, SPHR, CCP President Effective Resources, Inc. October 7, 2006 Developing Credibility

tf: (800) 288-6044 | w: www.EffectiveResources.com

Barry L. Brown, SPHR, CCP

PresidentEffective Resources, Inc.

October 7, 2006

Developing Credibility – Developing Credibility –

The Key to Getting to the Next LevelThe Key to Getting to the Next Level


Credibility defined …

• Webster defines “credible” as “that which can be believed; believable; reliable.”

• Other synonyms include:

– Trustworthiness

– Integrity

– Sincerity

– Honesty


Two types of credibility …• Personal

– Family– Friends– Neighbors

• Professional– Peers– Subordinates– Management– Vendors


So what’s the big deal ??• I measure up pretty

good compared with others in the company.

• I measure up to the people I know.

• I’m doing pretty good.• I’ve been elected to

my professional association Board.


What if …

• Your customers were the ones giving out the raises?

• Your first introduction to someone new is a copy of your credibility ratings?

• A prospective employer knew how many reports were late, inaccurate, or meaningless and what your staff really thinks about you?


Measuring your credibility …

• There are five (5) questions.

• Rate each question from 1-5.

5 = Almost always

4 = Usually, but occasional lapses

3 = Lots of the time, but frequent lapses

2 = Some of the time

1 = Not as often as I would like


The credibility quiz …

Family Friends Peers Staff Mgmt Vendors

1. I’ll have it to you by Friday morning

2. I’ll meet you there at 2:00pm.

3. It will cost about $2,500.

4. I never got your email.

5. I’ll return your call tomorrow.


Credibility quiz …

1. I’ll have it to you by Friday morning.

2. I’ll meet you there at 2:00pm.

3. It will cost about $2,500.

4. I never got your email.

5. I’ll return your call tomorrow.


Your credibility index …

• If you scored less than 3 in any box, you’ve got some work to do.

• Do you see any patterns?

• Are there any differences between groups?

• Would the groups we used rate you any differently if they were doing the rating?

• Would your spouse, your best friend, your children rate you any differently?


In short …• Your ratings are who

you are• Your ratings reflect your

values• Your ratings are what

people say about you• Your ratings are the

foundation of becoming a strategic partner


Strategic partner traits …

• Dependable• Trustworthy• Change agent• Proactive• Team player• Independent thinker• Respected by others• Discreet

• Strategic thinker• Leads by example• Works smart• Shares the vision• Understands the

business of business• High integrity• Highly competent


Getting ready to move up …

• Become the administrative expert

• Become a leader and lead by example

• Become a change agent

• Think outside the box• Understand the

business of business


Become the administrative expert

• Get rid of paper• Streamline it• Maximize the

software• LISTEN• Learn to crunch

numbers• Keep current• KISS


Become a leader …

• Be empathetic• Be discreet• Stand your ground• Learn and practice

“best practices”• Give credit where

credit is due• Improve your ratings


Lead by example …

• Rumors – don’t do it• Lunch - listen• Time management• Commitments• Call backs• Quality work• Integrity• Take the blame

• Watch your ego• Mentor• Be patient• Win-win style• Add value• Watch your image• Give honest

appraisals• Coach and counsel


Become a change agent …

• Be a catalyst for positive change

• Manage change well• Question everything• Don’t look for praise• Walk the talk• Deal with it• Doubt in private


Think outside the box …

• Try crossword puzzles to get a feel for creativity

• Learn to brainstorm– Start with the end in

mind– Don’t evaluate ideas– Let yourself go– Short spurts are better

than marathons

• Forget the surveys


Learn the business of business …

• Learn to read the financials

• Learn about your business– Key accounts, geographic areas, markets– Impact of changes (especially HR related)– Current direction and timeline

• Learn the language of management– MONEY– Rates of return


12 ways to become a partner …

• Keep current

• Become financially astute

• Understand the business

• Lead by example

• Audit yourself and your function and get better than you were before

• Speak management’s language


12 ways to become a partner …

• Become an internal consultant

• Be creative

• Be a team player

• Become comfortable with conflict

• Communicate – KISS

• Demonstrate personal integrity and competence


Leveraging your credibility …

In the …

• Company

• Labor market


Credibility in the company …

1. Consistently exhibit the characteristics CEO’s desire in a Strategic Partner

2. Be patient

3. If the leadership team knows you’re for real, they will BEG you to join the team.

4. Don’t stop earning your place at the conference table once you’ve “arrived.”


Credibility in the market …

• Word does get around

• Solid jobs in volunteer positions can be

fast tracks to other opportunities

• Credibility is worth between $5,000 and

$15,000 in the market place

• Your reputation in the marketplace is

priceless !!


Barry L. Brown, SPHR, CCPEffective Resources, Inc.

(800) 288-6044

www.EffectiveResources.com

[email protected]

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Tf: (800) 288-6044 | w: Barry L. Brown, SPHR, CCP President Effective Resources, Inc. October 7, 2006 Developing Credibility