Three C's essential to building one's credibility

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Patrick J. Carley
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As a professional in any line of work, one should strive to attain credibility.

In the profession of arms, where decisions can often cost valuable resources or possibly affect life and death, credibility is critical.

But how does one go about obtaining credibility. As an engineer, I like equations. The equation I use for this is a simple one that can be used by everyone: c + c + c = C; competence plus confidence plus consistency equals credibility.

First and foremost is competence. Without this, you won't have a chance. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines competence as the ability to do something well. Competence is gained primarily in two different ways: one's schooling or training and experience from previous jobs and assignments. Competence takes time to develop and must be nurtured throughout one's career.

Second is confidence. As defined by the same dictionary, confidence means the belief that one will act in a right, proper or effective way. Although a person may be competent, they also must demonstrate a degree of confidence so that others will have faith in them. But be cautious -- too much confidence can sometimes come across as arrogance or hubris. Maintain a healthy level of humility with a degree of confidence and you'll do fine.

The third C is consistency, which is defined as being marked by harmony, regularity or steady continuity. Airmen at all levels want consistency from their supervisors and commanders and will perform at a higher level when expectations are set and consistency is maintained. From another perspective, leaders and supervisors want consistency out of their Airmen. Without consistency, we don't know what to expect from day to day.

Put all of these together - competence, confidence and consistency - and you'll demonstrate a degree of credibility that will be apparent to those around you.

This equation can be applied to an individual, a section or an entire organization, such as a squadron. An individual coming in to an organization from a previous assignment brings with them a certain level of competence that is annotated on their evaluations.

Sometimes, word of mouth about an Airman can arrive before the person or records do. The Airman then needs to follow up with actions demonstrating their competence, show a healthy level of confidence in what they're doing and be consistent with their words and actions over a period of time. Before they know it, they'll build credibility with their co-workers and supervisors.

What comes with credibility? Freedom to operate. You'll be given more opportunities and responsibility to operate on your own or as a leader of a task or crew and you won't be micromanaged.

From an organizational perspective, a work section or squadron should strive to demonstrate the three C's in order to build up and maintain credibility. Once an organization has credibility, senior leaders will provide them the freedom to operate and will trust their professional advice and recommendations.

I challenge each of you to think about the three C's of competence, confidence and consistency and how demonstrating these traits will build up your credibility from both an individual and an organizational perspective. Remember, all it takes is c + c + c = C.