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Credibility: Creating it and Keeping It

Credibility is an asset in the business world: no-one wants to do business with a person who is dishonest and does not follow through on their commitments. It takes a long time to develop credibility, a short time to destroy it - and it is often impossible to rebuild it afterward.

Many people in business have lost the art of straight talk: they will purposefully speak in convoluted terms to stretch or disguise the truth, avoid making commitments, or disguise their mistakes. And as a result they lack credibility.

To build credibility, keep it simple. Say what you mean, do not make promises you cannot (or do not intend to) keep, and admit mistakes.


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