As you step up into the role of consultant, building credibility is essential. However it can feel daunting and elusive as you struggle to find your role, build your confidence and navigate the transition from trainee to consultant, often in the same environment you have trained in for a number of years.  So how do you ensure that others see you as a credible, capable and trustworthy? 

Why does this matter and how can you influence this?

 

Why credibility matters

Credibility as a consultant does not automatically come with the title. True credibility is earned, not assumed. It is the foundation for trust, influence and leadership and, as a consultant, is essential for effective decision-making, team collaboration and patient care. It is earned through consistent actions, clear communication and establishing good relationships.
 

Building credibility from the start

What steps can you take that are within your control that support you to build credibility in your early days as a consultant?
 

Three pillars of building early credibility

  • Clarity:

    • Be clear about your scope: This means being transparent about your clinical boundaries and acknowledging what you know and being honest about what you are still learning.

    • Know your own strengths: How can you add value to your team? Perhaps it is a subspecialty, a procedural skill, strong teaching skill and interest or honed leadership capability. Let them know how.

    • Seek support wisely: Build a network of colleagues and peers you can consult when needed. Asking for help when needed is a sign of maturity and safety as a doctor. It is not a sign of weakness
       

  • Consistency:

    • Be dependable: Arrive prepared, follow through on tasks, and meet deadlines. Reliability builds trust quickly.

    • Maintain professional standards: Uphold clinical governance, documentation and ethical practice as these are clear markers of reliability.

    • Communicate clearly and regularly: Keep your team and patients informed, especially during transitions of care or when making complex decisions. Use closed loop communication.
       

  • Connection:

    • Build rapport: Take time to know your team (nurses, junior doctors, allied health, colleagues and administrative staff). Respect and empathy are crucial.

    • Listen actively: Credibility grows when others feel respected and heard. Encourage input and value diverse perspectives.

    • Lead with presence: Be visible and approachable. Your presence in ward rounds, handovers and meetings reinforces your commitment.

Stepping into a consultant role is both exciting and challenging. Remember that building credibility, like your professional identity, is an ongoing process shaped by your actions, attitude and ability to connect. Start strong by being clear, consistent and connected.

Reflect honestly on where you feel you are currently sitting (now) and where you would like to be (new consultant with credibility) with respect to enacting these three pillars. Identify any gaps or focus areas and note down actions you could do to begin working towards closing these gaps

If you would like further support as you build your credibility as a junior consultant or as you prepare to transition to a consultant role, AMA Victoria offers a wide range of coaching services and supports many members at transition points throughout their careers, especially during the transition to consultant. Click here to find out more or book a career call to speak with a member of our team.

In our next installment of Stepping up to Consultant - The Consultant Mindset, we will explore these concepts further and how to add to credibility through showing up with integrity, humility and a commitment to growth in the role of consultant.