by: Kasey Sloan | Business Development Manager
Whether it’s a relationship with a client, candidate, or co-worker, trust and credibility can make or break the bond.
Credibility: the basis for any new relationship. This is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as the “capacity for belief.” When you enter into a partnership with someone, you have to be consistent, reliable, and understanding. This means doing what you say you are going to do! Companies can build credibility through websites, word-of-mouth from current and past clients, and even by community presence. Candidates, or potential employees, can build credibility by providing references and being open and honest about past experiences, good and bad. Everyone has made mistakes, so if you portray yourself as the perfect employee, you are most likely hiding something.
Trust: creates long-term, prosperous relationships. This is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” This takes time! Be honest and upfront about your abilities. If you don’t believe you will be able to work with a particular client or candidate, let them know up front. As a potential employee, almost all companies will disqualify a person they find has been dishonest. In a trusting relationship, both parties have to be able to depend on each other. This requires listening attentively, and then understanding and empathizing with the other person in the relationship.
Credibility can begin a new relationship, and trust can foster its growth. This process is never ending. Once you build a relationship with a person, or company, it is important to nurture and cultivate that relationship. Communicate, provide crucial feedback, and be upfront with your abilities. These things alone will not ensure every successful relationship, but it can be the building blocks to many.
Comments