Are you undermining your professional credibility?

When establishing credibility in the workplace, every little thing we do matters.

Everything communicates something about 'reputation' - who we are and what we stand for, from how we dress and act to the words we use. Unfortunately, many professionals undermine their credibility without even realising it. Here are five of the most common mistakes people make that can cost them dearly in terms of their professional reputation.

1. Not being self-aware

Being unaware of how our behaviour affects others already puts us at a disadvantage. To be taken seriously and respected as a professional, we must be conscious of how we might come across to others. When conversations or a relationship is not going how we think it should, we first need to examine our approach and give others the benefit of the doubt. No one is perfect, so we must be accountable for our actions. Things like being late for meetings, being forgetful of deadlines, being casually dismissive, or using offensive language may seem small, but they can create a negative impression.

2. Failing to listen

Being adamant that we must have the last word or jumping to conclusions without giving others a chance to explain themselves doesn't bode well for our credibility. Listening is a crucial part of communication and an essential skill for any professional. By learning to really listen to others, we can avoid misunderstandings, build better relationships, and show that their opinions are respected - whether we agree with them or not.

3. Being a poor team player

No one likes working with someone difficult, uncooperative or who runs off with their own agenda. To be seen as a credible professional, it's essential to be a team player. That means being willing to compromise, being open to new ideas, being upfront about expectations and lending a helping hand when needed. It also means taking criticism without getting defensive and giving criticism within an established agreement of honest, two-way feedback. Ambushing someone who is not expecting criticism or negative feedback shows a lack of empathy. Set the framework for successful teaming by communicating and clarifying expectations.

4. Undermining others

One of the quickest ways to damage professional credibility is to undermine the people we work with. This behaviour will only make one look bad, whether gossiping about a colleague, putting them down in front of others or purposefully not following through on an agreement to prove a point. Not only is it unprofessional, but it's also a sure-fire way to distance would-be allies and create an unpleasant, toxic work environment. To be respected as a professional, it's important to treat others with respect and not harbour negativity. Communicate. We often find that intentions are similar, but just as no two people are alike, work styles differ and need understanding.

5. Failing to recognise opportunities for learning and growth

Today's marketplace is fiercely competitive and fast-paced, and if we close ourselves to new experiences and learning opportunities, we will be left behind. We must be willing to learn and grow to be seen as credible professionals. That means keeping up with the latest industry trends, being open to new challenges, and listening to those who are more qualified or experienced in a specific area. The prospect of learning something new should motivate us! Admitting when we don't know something can be empowering, and so too being willing to ask for help.

If you can identify any of these behaviours in yourself, working on changing them is essential. Not only will it improve your career prospects, but it will also make you a more well-rounded person and professional.

Avoiding these five common mistakes will go a long way toward maintaining your credibility in the workplace and establishing a solid reputation.

Credibility builds over time. Making positive changes today will ensure you're setting the foundations for a more professionally successful and personally rewarding career.

What have been your experiences with this issue? Let us know in the comments below.