Credibility is one of the most valuable qualities you can possess, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or broader social settings. It shapes how others perceive you and determines the level of trust and influence you hold. Unfortunately, credibility can be fragile. Certain behaviors—sometimes unintentional—can erode trust and damage your reputation over time.

By understanding the psychology behind these actions, you can identify and eliminate behaviors that may harm your credibility. Let’s dive into 11 behaviors to watch out for and how to cultivate the habits that uphold your integrity.

1. Breaking Promises or Commitments

Failing to deliver on promises—no matter how minor—signals unreliability. The psychological principle of “Consistency” asserts that people expect others to align their actions with their words. Breaking commitments, even unintentionally, chips away at trust and gives others a reason to doubt you.

For example, if you promise to attend a meeting or complete a task by a specific date but fail to follow through, it shows a lack of respect for others’ time and expectations. Over time, this behavior makes people hesitant to depend on you.

How to Avoid:

• Set realistic expectations: Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
• Communicate proactively: If something unforeseen prevents you from fulfilling a commitment, notify the relevant people as soon as possible. A sincere explanation and a plan to rectify the situation can go a long way.

2. Over-Exaggerating Your Abilities

While self-promotion is important in some situations, exaggerating your skills or accomplishments can lead to skepticism. Over time, people may perceive you as insecure or dishonest. This ties into the “Dunning-Kruger Effect”, which highlights how individuals with limited knowledge in an area often overestimate their competence.

Exaggerations are often exposed when you are unable to deliver what you claimed. For example, if you say you’re proficient in a particular skill but struggle when asked to demonstrate it, your credibility suffers.

How to Avoid:

• Focus on facts: Share your skills and achievements without embellishment.
• Demonstrate your abilities: Let your actions speak louder than your words. Consistent performance is the best way to prove your capabilities.

3. Avoiding Accountability

Blaming others for your mistakes or deflecting responsibility not only undermines trust but also signals a lack of maturity. According to psychological studies on “Attribution Error,” people tend to excuse their own mistakes while judging others harshly for similar errors. This behavior damages relationships and makes you seem untrustworthy.

Imagine working in a team where a project falls short of expectations. If you refuse to acknowledge your role in the shortcomings, it will alienate your colleagues and tarnish your reputation.

How to Avoid:

• Own your mistakes: Acknowledge errors openly and focus on how to correct them.
• Lead by example: Taking accountability shows integrity and inspires others to do the same.

4. Frequent Lying or Half-Truths

Lying—whether outright or through omission—is one of the quickest ways to lose credibility. Even seemingly harmless “white lies” can lead to bigger issues when the truth eventually comes out. The “Truth-Default Theory” highlights that while people generally give others the benefit of the doubt, repeated dishonesty creates a lingering sense of distrust.

For example, lying about your whereabouts or covering up a mistake might seem minor in the moment but can spiral into bigger trust issues.

How to Avoid:

• Prioritize honesty: Always speak the truth, even when it’s difficult.
• Repair trust quickly: If you do lie, acknowledge it immediately and apologize. Transparency in resolving the situation can help rebuild trust.

5. Gossiping or Speaking Ill of Others

Gossip might feel like a harmless way to bond with others, but it often backfires. The “Spontaneous Trait Transference Effect” reveals that people attribute the negative traits you describe in others to you. Gossiping makes you seem untrustworthy and leaves others wondering what you might say about them.

For instance, speaking poorly of a coworker to gain favor with your boss might temporarily succeed but can create long-term damage to your relationships and reputation.

How to Avoid:

• Stay positive: Focus on constructive and uplifting conversations.
• Address conflicts directly: If there’s an issue with someone, speak to them privately rather than involving others.

6. Failing to Follow Through on Deadlines

Deadlines are commitments, and missing them without a valid reason sends a clear message that you’re unreliable. In psychology, perceived reliability is crucial to forming trust. Chronic delays make others question your discipline and respect for their time.

For example, consistently submitting projects late at work can cause colleagues and supervisors to lose confidence in your abilities.

How to Avoid:

• Prioritize time management: Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay on track.
• Communicate early: If a deadline is at risk, inform all stakeholders immediately and propose a new timeline.

7. Being Overly Defensive

When faced with criticism, becoming overly defensive can signal insecurity and a lack of willingness to improve. The “Defensive Attribution Hypothesis” suggests that people often protect their egos by deflecting blame, but this behavior erodes credibility.

Defensiveness might manifest as arguing against constructive feedback or shifting the focus to others’ faults. This prevents growth and alienates those trying to help.

How to Avoid:

• Listen actively: Understand the feedback before responding.
• Seek improvement: View criticism as an opportunity to grow rather than a personal attack.

8. Displaying Inconsistent Behavior

People value predictability, especially in relationships. Sudden changes in behavior or values create confusion and mistrust. Psychology emphasizes the importance of “Cognitive Consistency”, where people expect actions and beliefs to align over time.

For example, if you frequently switch opinions based on who you’re with, others may view you as inauthentic.

How to Avoid:

• Define your values: Be clear about your principles and stick to them.
• Explain changes: If your perspective evolves, share the reasoning behind it openly.

9. Overpromising and Underdelivering

Ambition is admirable, but overpromising creates unrealistic expectations. When you fail to deliver, it leads to disappointment and damages your reputation. The “Expectation-Disconfirmation Model” highlights how unmet expectations result in dissatisfaction.

For instance, promising a client a project in two weeks but delivering it a month later can harm professional relationships.

How to Avoid:

• Set realistic goals: Understand your limitations and plan accordingly.
• Exceed expectations: When possible, deliver more than you promised.

10. Ignoring Boundaries or Respect

Failing to respect personal or professional boundaries—such as interrupting, oversharing, or dominating conversations—signals selfishness and disregard for others. Respect is a cornerstone of credibility.

For example, constantly interrupting others in meetings shows a lack of consideration for their input.

How to Avoid:

• Practice active listening: Allow others to express themselves fully before responding.
• Be mindful: Pay attention to verbal and nonverbal cues about comfort levels.

11. Inconsistencies Between Words and Actions

People lose trust when actions don’t align with words. The psychological phenomenon of “Cognitive Dissonance” highlights how such inconsistencies create discomfort and lead to distrust.

For example, claiming to value teamwork but refusing to collaborate with others damages credibility.

How to Avoid:

• Walk the talk: Align your actions with your statements.
• Seek feedback: Ask others to hold you accountable for living up to your commitments.

Key Takeaways

• Credibility is built on trust, consistency, and respect.
• Small actions like keeping promises and embracing feedback can make a big difference.
• Avoid behaviors like gossiping, defensiveness, and overpromising to maintain a positive reputation.

Conclusion: Reflect and Share

Credibility is not just about what others think of you—it’s about the trust you build through your actions. Reflect on these behaviors and ask yourself:

1. Are there areas where you might unintentionally harm your credibility?
2. What steps can you take today to align your actions with your values?

Share your experiences in the comments below! Have you successfully rebuilt credibility after making a mistake? Let’s start a conversation on how we can all grow and maintain trust in our relationships.