The pursuit of credibility

Navigating the corporate world as a young-ish-looking, petite female leader provides a unique perspective. It's not uncommon to encounter dismissiveness and arrogance from a few, which can be frustrating given our collective goal to drive business success.

Ironically, while we're all in the same race, chasing the success of our businesses, these behavioural nuances can create unnecessary hurdles.

Two common deflective tactics that stand out are overemphasising past achievements and redirecting blame.

1. Overemphasising past achievements:

It's not uncommon to come across leaders who, when their actions are questioned or their decisions challenged, promptly put forth their past successes as a shield. "Remember the time I led that project?" or "My track record speaks for itself" become their go-to responses. While past achievements are commendable, they shouldn't be wielded as a tool to dismiss valid concerns or as an excuse for present behaviour. The pursuit of credibility is an ongoing process, not a destination you arrive at based on past laurels.

2. Redirecting the blame:

Engaging in a productive conversation becomes a Herculean task when the person across the table is adept at the art of deflection. "Perhaps you misunderstood" or "You're being too sensitive" are classic lines that subtly, yet effectively, shift the blame. Instead of addressing the issue at hand, the narrative morphs into questioning your interpretation or reaction. This tactic not only undermines your position but also hinders productive dialogue.

Dismissive vs. Challenging:

There's a vast difference between dismissing someone's perspective outright and challenging it constructively. Dismissive behaviour often manifests as quick judgments without genuinely engaging with the idea or concern raised, effectively shutting down the conversation. On the other hand, challenging an idea entails engaging with it, asking questions, and fostering a discussion that may lead to better outcomes for all involved. One approach stifles growth and collaboration, while the other promotes understanding and collective progress.

Chasing collective success:

Despite these challenges, it's crucial to remember the shared objective: the success and growth of the business. The energy spent on deflecting criticism, hiding behind past achievements, or being dismissive could be channelled into constructive collaboration. By understanding and addressing these behaviours, we can foster an environment where credibility is built on present actions and mutual respect rather than past achievements or deflection.

Building credibility is undeniably essential, but it's a collective effort, best achieved in an environment of mutual respect and shared goals. As we strive for the success of our businesses, let's prioritise open dialogue, continuous growth, and collaborative achievements over individual ego and deflection.