If Someone Challenges Your Credibility in front of Others, Say This and Watch them Apologize.

If someone challenges your credibility in front of others, say this and watch them apologize. 

I've seen this play out in my leadership role for the past 15 years.  Someone questions your expertise publicly to make themselves look smart.

Here's how you destroy them without raising your voice. 

When they say, are you sure about that?

In a condescending tone, don't defend yourself, say this.

"I'm certain, but I'm curious what makes you question it."

You just flipped it. Now they have to justify their challenge. And if they can't, everyone just watch them expose themselves.

When they say, I don't think you understand how this works.

Don't explain yourself, say this.

"Walk me through your understanding then. I want to see where we're disconnecting."

You invited them to demonstrate their knowledge. If they actually know it, you learn.

If they don't, they just embarrass themselves in front of everyone.

When they say, that's not accurate without offering anything. Don't get defensive, say this.

"Show me what I'm missing."

That's it. You didn't argue.

You didn't justify. You just put the burden of proof on them. 

If they have evidence, they'll show it. If they don't, everyone just realised they were bluffing.

When they say, I've never heard that before. 

To dismiss you, don't over explain, say this.

"Then this is a good learning opportunity for you."

Calm, composed and devastating. You just position their ignorance as their problem, not yours.

Here's why these work. When someone challenges your credibility publicly, they're counting on you getting defensive. Defensive makes you look unsure, like you need to prove yourself.

Send this to yourself as a reminder

Yas Ahmad - Win At Work