Trust and credibility are the cornerstones of effective leadership, and as a new executive, your first 90 days are critical for building both. Success isn’t achieved through grand gestures but through consistent actions demonstrating your competence, authenticity, and alignment with the organization’s goals. We’ll uncover why trust and credibility matter, how to establish them quickly, and the key steps to lay a strong foundation for lasting impact.
Why Trust and Credibility Matter
1. Trust Unlocks Collaboration. Teams are more willing to share ideas, take risks, and work collaboratively when they trust their leader. According to Stephen M.R. Covey in The Speed of Trust, trust is a performance multiplier that accelerates results.
2. Credibility Drives Influence. Without credibility, it’s difficult to lead effectively. When others see you as knowledgeable, reliable, and aligned with organizational values, your ability to influence decisions and drive change increases significantly.
3. First Impressions Last. Research shows that people form lasting impressions quickly. The actions you take (or fail to take) in your early days will shape how others perceive you as a leader.
How to Build Trust and Credibility Quickly
1. Show Competence Through Results. Early wins are essential for demonstrating your capability. Focus on high-impact areas where you can quickly make a positive difference. For example:
o Identify a pressing issue and create a clear plan to address it.
o Deliver on small, visible commitments to show you follow through.
2. Listen More Than You Speak. Listening signals respect and helps you understand the organizational landscape. Ask thoughtful questions to learn about your team’s challenges, priorities, and aspirations. Key Questions to Ask:
o “What’s working well that we should build on?”
o “What challenges are holding the team back?”
o “How can I best support you in your role?”
3. Be Transparent and Authentic. Authenticity builds trust. Be honest about what you know, what you don’t, and your intentions. If you need more time to make a decision, say so.
4. Align Your Actions With Company Values. Understand the organization’s mission, vision, and values—and model them in your behavior. For instance:
o If the company values collaboration, actively seek input from others.
o If innovation is a priority, champion new ideas and celebrate creative thinking.
5. Communicate Consistently and Clearly. Credibility grows when you communicate effectively. Share updates regularly, set clear expectations, and keep stakeholders informed. For example:
o Provide a 30-60-90-day plan to outline your focus areas.
o Hold regular check-ins with your team and key stakeholders.
6. Acknowledge Mistakes and Learn From Them. No leader is perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. Own up to them quickly, take responsibility, and outline what you’ll do differently moving forward. This humility demonstrates integrity and fosters trust.
Behaviors That Undermine Trust and Credibility
1. Overpromising and Underdelivering. Don’t commit to more than you can deliver, especially in your first 90 days. Unrealistic promises can erode trust quickly.
2. Acting Without Understanding. Jumping to conclusions or making changes without context can alienate your team. Take the time to listen and learn before acting.
3. Avoiding Difficult Conversations. Trust requires honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. Avoiding tough conversations signals a lack of accountability and weakens your credibility.
The Long-Term Benefits of Trust and Credibility
1. Stronger Team Dynamics. A foundation of trust encourages open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.
2. Enhanced Influence. Credible leaders are more likely to gain buy-in from stakeholders, enabling them to drive meaningful change.
3. Sustainable Success. Building trust early creates a culture of support and alignment that sustains long-term results.
In your first 90 days as a new executive, trust and credibility aren’t optional—they’re essential. By listening, delivering results, and modeling authenticity, you’ll build a foundation that enables you to lead with confidence and impact.
Quote of the Day: "Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships." – Stephen R. Covey
Question of the Day: What’s one action you can take this week to strengthen trust with your team or stakeholders? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
As a leadership development and executive coach, I work with new executives to sharpen their leadership skills contact me to explore this topic further.
How do you build and keep trust?