CREDIBILITY
Your job requires that you communicate important information to your providers. Providers need to know that they can trust and believe what you are telling them. Your responsibility is to communicate accurate regulatory and contractual information to your providers. Therefore, building the credibility of what you say is essential for your success. Occasionally you have to convey a message that they do not want to hear. Therefore, your ability to communicate in a credible, clear and understandable manner is vitally important.
To build your credibility to communicate regulatory and contractual information, you must have a clear understanding of what those regulations and contractual obligations are. The more knowledgeable you are of all the regulations involving childcare, the more confidence you will have when visiting your providers. The more you understand the importance of these regulations, the more purpose and sincerity you will display when discussing goals with your providers.
If the information is new, ask your supervisors questions on anything you are not clear about. Make sure you feel confident with your knowledge of the information before you try to convey it to your providers. Communicate your needs. Think about what would allow you to feel more confident when doing your job. Be specific. Knowing what you are talking about increases your credibility and respect with the provider. Providers can’t develop a trusting relationship with you if they do not believe what you say.
But what if you do not know the answer? Remember you credibility depends on your ability to give not just information but accurate information. Never give an answer off the top of your head that you do not know to be accurate. Do not be afraid of saying, “Let me check on that and I will get right back to you.” Then find the accurate information and get back to the provider quickly. Making up answers as you go along or telling the provider what she wants to hear, will not build credibility or respect. Credibility is one of the most important characteristics you need to be an effective Monitor .