Credibility as the Foundation of Team Power
Assignment Instructions
Drawing from your own workplace, team experiences, or professional observations:
Define what you believe is meant by the statement:"Team power is based on credibility."
Explain how credibility influences a team’s ability to lead, influence, and make decisions.
Describe specific strategies or behaviors a team and its leader can use to build and sustain credibility in a healthcare or professional setting.
Your submission should be written as a professional reflection paper (no bullet points) in APA format, approximately one page (250–300 words), double-spaced, with appropriate in-text citation(s) only if you reference any course materials or external sources. Please refer to the rubric provided specifically for this assignment.
Solution
Credibility as the Foundation of Team Power
Credibility is the cornerstone upon which team power is built, particularly within professional and healthcare settings. The statement “Team power is based on credibility” emphasizes that the effectiveness, authority, and influence of a team stem not only from individual expertise, but from the collective trustworthiness and reliability the team demonstrates. In my professional experience within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, I have observed that when team members and leaders are perceived as credible, the team is more cohesive, collaborative, and empowered to make impactful decisions.
Credibility influences a team’s ability to lead, influence, and make decisions in several ways. First, it fosters trust among team members, which is essential for open communication, honest feedback, and the willingness to accept and implement shared decisions. When credibility is present, team members are more likely to support one another and align with collective goals. Moreover, credible teams and leaders are better able to influence stakeholders, secure resources, and advocate for patients or organizational objectives, because others believe in their integrity and competence. Decision-making is also enhanced, as credible teams are trusted to exercise sound judgment and act in the best interest of those they serve.
To build and sustain credibility, several strategies are essential. Consistency in actions and communication, transparency in sharing information, and accountability for both successes and errors are foundational behaviors. Leaders can model these traits by being approachable, admitting mistakes, and following through on commitments. Teams should prioritize evidence-based practice, ongoing professional development, and respectful collaboration across disciplines. By cultivating an environment where honesty, expertise, and mutual respect are valued, both leaders and teams can strengthen their credibility, ultimately enhancing their collective power and effectiveness.
References
Covey, S. M. R., & Merrill, R. R. (2006). The speed of trust: The one thing that changes everything. Free Press.
Porter-O’Grady, T., & Malloch, K. (2018). Leadership in nursing practice: Changing the landscape of healthcare (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.