The Importance of Building Credibility for Advancing to Senior Roles

If you're aiming for a top job like a Architect or Manager or VP you've got to think beyond just being good at your job. It's not just about what you know, but also about how others see you — your credibility. 🏢

Many complain that I worked hard but didn’t get a promotion or they will complain that the system is rigged and all. Whether you like it or not usually with only skills you won’t get that promotion you want. 🛠️

If you think it doesn't make sense then you are not understanding humans. You might have heard this saying “Jo dikhta hai wo bikta hai(What is seen sells)”. You also do the same thing when you promote your team members. You won’t give an exam to your team members to give a promotion. You give promotions based on the perspective you have about your team member(s). How you got the perspective based on the credibility they built knowingly or unknowingly. 👀

So, what can you do to build this credibility?

1. Build Your Skills (But Don't Stop There): Yes, skills are the foundation, but they're just the beginning. Keep enhancing your expertise, stay updated with industry trends and strive for excellence in your craft. 📚

2. Improve the Way People Perceive You: Perception is key. Be the person others can rely on, the one who takes ownership and responsibility, even when things go bad. Own up to your mistakes and those of your team. Be proactive in finding solutions, communicate effectively, and foster strong relationships through collaboration and assistance. 💬

3. Focus on communication: One message can be conveyed in many ways and taken by people in many ways. Work on becoming better at it because it matters a lot. When you are in the senior position you are not going to work with your team only. You are going to work with many other teams. The way you convey something to your team is not going to work with other teams. 🗣️

4. Focus on building good relationships: Nothing will move further without being on good terms with other teams. If you don't help others when they needed no one is going to help you. Think about it are you going to work on something which is given by the person you don't like or you like? The answer is simple. So why someone is going to work on your agenda unless you don't have a good relationship with them? 🤝

5. Focus on Building Your Personal Brand: Nowadays, your online presence matters. Share your knowledge and insights through writing and speaking engagements. Establish yourself as an authority in your field, someone worth noticing and following. 💼

Being good at your job is important, but being someone others rely on is what will get you to the level you want to go. Work on it and you'll see doors opening up for you. 🚪🔓