What do offering parental advice, applying for a job, or running for President have in common? It doesn’t matter whether you’re peddling a product, selling an idea, persuading a skeptical group, teaching your kids a life lesson, or leading people in times of uncertainty — you won’t be successful if you lack trust and credibility. Are you credible?
Credibility matters. Believe me!
Credibility isn’t automatic. You must prove that you’re worthy of it. But beware! Once credibility is granted, it’s not always permanent. Some folks undermine their efforts by disregarding the connection between their behavior and credibility. Others are so blinded by ambition that they’re willing to sacrifice everything to get what they want. While that strategy may work in the short term, the impact on trust and credibility can be lasting.
How to Earn Credibility
Here are 14 factors that contribute to your credibility.
Be genuine. Credible people are comfortable in their own skin. They don’t create a false pretense to win acceptance, and they don’t allow themselves to be manipulated by others.
Be principled. Credible people do what’s right rather than what’s convenient. They don’t twist rules for personal gain.
Be capable. Credible people have a proven track record of success. Plus, they have the knowledge and experience to replicate that success. They don’t misrepresent their capabilities to get something they don’t deserve.
Be discerning. Credible people surround themselves with folks who uphold high standards of honor and integrity. They don’t let toxic people pollute their attitude, dampen their drive, or corrupt their morality.
Be honest and trustworthy. Credible people give explanations in a clear and concise manner. They tell it like it is rather than saying what folks want to hear. They don’t spin the truth or exaggerate benefits to make something sound better.
Be straightforward and transparent. Credible people let others know whether they’re presenting fact or opinion. They don’t abuse people’s trust by making a recommendation or offering advice without revealing vested interests.
Be objective. Credible people present both sides of an issue rather than a one-sided view. They disclose all known facts in an unbiased manner and let recipients arrive at their own conclusion. They don’t manipulate, suppress, or withhold important information to misrepresent the truth.
Be selfless. Credible people focus on win-win relationships rather than trying to advance their own self-interests. They don’t try to win at the expense of the relationship.
Be fair. Credible people make every effort to be open-minded, even-handed, and non-discriminating. They don’t show favoritism — rather, they treat superiors and subordinates with the same level of respect.
Be rational and insightful. Credible people examine both sides of an issue before forming an opinion. They make decisions based on hard evidence and reason rather than on emotion.
Be virtuous. Credible people are passionate about their beliefs and values. But they don’t force them on others. They recognize that one of the true tests of integrity is your refusal to compromise your honor at any price.
Be decisive and action-oriented. Credible people don’t just talk a good game — they make things happen. They jump on good opportunities, knowing full well that if you do nothing, nothing happens.
Be accountable. Credible people take ownership of their life rather than relinquishing that responsibility to others. They don’t point a finger or cast blame to evade accountability.
Be consistent and dependable. Credible people are predictable. You always know where they stand. They don’t blow with the wind, even when it’s convenient and tempting to do so.
Credibility Says Everything About You
Credibility is gauged by the level of confidence and trust that people have in you. You don’t secure that by sharpening your resume, learning how to play-act, or giving yourself a makeover. You gain people’s trust based on your moral character and your competence, and by consistently displaying admirable behavior.
The truth never lies.
Some people have it backward — they focus on how they appear to others. The truth is that credibility begins with you! If YOU don’t believe in yourself, why should others? When you continually invest in your personal growth, live with honor, and lead by example, everything you say will carry the voice of credibility. Moreover, you’ll be proud of who you are. You won’t have to shout it from the rooftops; saying nothing will say everything. Are you credible?
Are You Credible?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
How to Make People Doubt You
50 Ways to Lose Trust and Credibility
Why Do You Trust Some People and Mistrust Others?
Live With Honor and Integrity
Reputation: You Can’t Run from Your Shadow
23 Ways to Spot a Hypocrite
How to Earn Credibility
Leadership Scorecard
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Hi Frank, I read most of this article about credibility. I especially read the 14 factors, and the question Am I Credible? My answer? I am working toward that credibility, and have some, but not all of the factors. I still have some weak spots and I have strength in some of the areas. I believe that is two ways of saying the same thought. I am using my own words, and making a concerted effort to be as completely truthful as I can.
Thanks for the question,
David
Hi David
We all are a work in progress 🙂
I applaud your enthusiasm for personal growth. It will serve you well.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Hi Frank, great points! I really appreciated how concise, direct, and CREDIBLE these points were. They serve as good checkpoints to walk yourself through every once in a while, especially since, like you said, credibility plays a role in all areas of life. I like how the list covers both personal values, like honesty and fairness, as well as actions, like being decisive and accountable. It makes me think about how credibility isn’t just about what we say but how we follow through and show up consistently. Definitely something I’ll keep in mind moving forward.
Thanks so much, Liz!
I really like how you captured the balance between personal values and actions—that’s exactly the point. Credibility isn’t just what we say, but how we consistently follow through. I’m glad the list resonated with you and that you’re keeping it in mind moving forward
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
This article truly made me look inside and think if I am a credible person. I would like to think I possess all of these traits, but I know there are few I could work on. Sometimes I worry about how I appear to others, when I really should be concerned with being proud of myself for myself. Thank you for this insightful post!
Hi Rylee
I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. The fact that you’re reflecting so honestly already speaks volumes about your credibility. None of us are perfect—we’re all a work in progress. What matters most is exactly what you said: being proud of yourself for yourself. I’m glad the article gave you something meaningful to think about!
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Hello Frank!
I really love when you said “The truth never lies” and “If YOU don’t believe in yourself, why should others?” One of my weaknesses is that I always worry about my reputation and what other people think about me. I agree with your additional point of not needing to broadcast my credibility since it will be known in its own way. I was in a bad place earlier this year because I felt unworthy and behind as I compared myself to my peers. But, two of my friends genuinely told me that I should give myself more credit, especially since I have a lot of other factors and things on my plate. It’s hard to see your credibility when you are too focused on comparing yourself to other people, and what you’re lacking.
Thank you for this insightful post that made me reflect on multiple things.
Hi Ethan,
Thank you for your heartfelt note. What you shared is something many people quietly struggle with, and it takes courage to voice it. The truth is, comparison is a thief — it robs us of joy and blinds us to the progress we’ve made. When you’re always looking sideways at others, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve already come.
The fact that your friends reminded you to give yourself more credit says a lot — they see qualities in you that you may overlook in yourself. Trust that your reputation will always follow your actions, not your anxieties. Keep building, keep showing up, and keep believing in yourself.
Remember: your value isn’t measured against someone else’s timeline. You’re writing your own story, and it’s one worth telling.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Hello Frank,
Upon reading your post and reflecting on the 14 factors that contribute to one’s credibility, I took some time to consider how I approach each of these aspects and how they connect to my own experiences. I have always tried to live in a way that ensures my interactions with others are both genuine and virtuous. What advice would you give to college students who are working to make sure their words and actions reflect their true values, without losing sight of selflessness? I have noticed that the pressure to respond in the “right” way can either silence us or push us to speak before we are ready.
Best regards,
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
Thank you for your thoughtful note. I really appreciate how you’ve reflected on the 14 factors and connected them to your own experiences.
If I could offer advice to college students, I would encourage them to look inward first. Focus on understanding your values and letting them guide your words and actions, rather than trying to respond in a way that will please everyone — it’s impossible to do so.
As Dr. Seuss wisely said, “Be who you are and say what you feel because people who mind don’t matter and people who matter don’t mind.” Living by that principle allows students to act authentically and with integrity. Pausing, reflecting, and responding intentionally builds credibility far more than reacting to external pressures.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank