While I am sure there is more to the story about law firm Clayton Utz and their report for AMP, but how do you think their credibility as a provider of independent advice was impacted by this simple line in this news article “Just appalling’: AMP misconduct and lies exposed”.

     “Mr Hodge told the hearing that Clayton Utz provided 25 drafts of the
     report to AMP which resulted in detailed changes being made, including
     the removal of Mr Meller’s name from an earlier version of the report.”

My blogs over the past few weeks have urged you to put yourself in your board’s shoes so you understand their pain and potential gains. To use imagery and stories to shift them emotionally and to provide them with clarity as to the value of your advice. However, if you lack credibility, the game may be over before it has started.

What makes someone credible? This is a question I ask in my Winning Conversations Program. We workshop it. Experience, honesty, composure, integrity, knowledge, charisma, authenticity and intelligence are all common responses. I boil them all down to just three attributes that capture the essence of credibility: trustworthiness, adaptability and expertise.

I want to focus on adaptability here. If you are adaptable you can respect the formalities of the boardroom and the informalities of the shop floor. Adaptability allows you to listen better. If you feel comfortable in every environment, you will naturally adapt your tone, language and body language to suit your audience and your advice will be delivered with credibility.

Score yourself out of 10 with your board for trustworthiness, adaptability and expertise. Is your score high enough to win the day?