Young and Hungry- what now?
August 13th, 2009 in Uncategorized. 15 Comments
Young and Hungry- What to do?
I talk to leaders all the time, especially those under the age of 25, who are seeking the quick credibility answer. How do I get credibility now and not have to wait until I am in my mid 30’s or early 40’s before people will respect and respond to me?
Well, great question.
Not sure I have the answer you are looking for. But, I have a theory. The Credibility theory.
Starts with an equation, since I was a math minor in college….. Ultimately, credibility is this:
C = T x (E + E). Credibility = Time (times) Experience + Expertise.
To give some context, here are some thoughts to best gain credibility now:
- Listen. Simple enough
- Find those who are smarter than you, and latch on. Learn from them.
- Become an expert before you need to be- when you are asked for your opinion or involvement, give it or do it.
- Self awareness and self identity- know who you are. You are young- deal with it. Don’t think you know more than you really do.
- Stay focused, but broad. Those who have the most credibility no longer are just experts in one area. You need to be a generalist.
- Learn how to follow. And follow really well. It will position you for authority later.
15 Comments
Stephen Bateman
August 14, 2009 at 2:15 am
Thanks. I’m 19, and credibility…is developing indeed.
I really like blogs because it makes 1 & 2 that much easier! Hopefully I’ll spin the credibility flywheel enough times in the next 6 years to have just a bit by 25…
mike foster
August 14, 2009 at 5:36 am
great thoughts brad. totally right on!
kevinwlloyd
August 14, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Brad, Love the blog. This is incredible! I’m forwarding it to all of the 20 something’s on our staff right now. Thanks for your leadership.
Kyle Reed
August 15, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Good stuff, much like my man stephen, I am 23 and trying to find some kind of voice. I really have a hard time finding that place to speak, but I often have to remind myself that maybe God is calling me to be quiet and listen so that when it is time to speak later I am prepared. Great reminder and advice, now to try and live that out.
Daniel Decker
August 15, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Glad to see you reference # 5. Not many people point that out. It’s an increasing reality in today’s segmented niche environment. People must have skills in their target trade or area but they also need to be able to cross pollinate to maximize opportunities.
Ross
August 16, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Someone once told me something similiar and it has been very helpful, although it wasn’t an equation then.
Dave
August 17, 2009 at 2:24 am
Great post Brad… I went back and re-read it. There was a subtle reference you made which is key… That you offer feedback “when asked”… My mentor made a similar coment that waiting, along with fact-based responses are critical. This is often hard… To self-filter in the age of Twitter is a difficult practice (myself included!)
Roy Eyre
August 20, 2009 at 7:10 pm
I appreciated your blog, Brad. Credibility is something a lot of young leaders want right away. Good thoughts.
Adam
September 10, 2009 at 8:06 am
I’m naturally sceptical when people try to come up with these formulas so I’m not sure about this post. Ironically, I think the post itself lacks credibility as it has no biblical basis. Rather than hit someone with a formula, I think it’s better to sit them down with the letters of 1 & 2 Timothy and / or Titus, show them what the Apostle Paul has to say to younger leaders and let the truth of the bible do its work.
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