In a recent LinkedIn post, Alec Rickard discusses a counterintuitive phenomenon: how striving for excessive professionalism can inadvertently undermine one’s credibility in the workplace. Rickard argues that common habits, intended to convey polish and politeness, can, when overused, weaken professional standing.
Rickard highlights that many professionals are unaware they are falling into this trap until it negatively impacts their reputation. He posits that the very traits we are taught to cultivate—being careful, polite, and polished—can become detrimental if taken to an extreme.
“Being too professional is destroying your credibility. Most don’t realize they’re doing it until it’s too late.”
The Subtle Erosion of Credibility
Rickard identifies seven specific behaviors that, despite not reflecting a lack of competence, can make individuals appear less authoritative or capable. These range from how one handles emotions and language to how they approach apologies and seek validation.
Hesitant Language and Over-Apologizing
One key area Rickard points out is the overuse of hesitant language. Phrases like “I was just wondering…” or “This might be stupid, but…” can signal a lack of confidence, even when the speaker is knowledgeable. Rickard suggests replacing these with more assertive statements such as, “I recommend…” or “Here’s what I think…”
Similarly, Rickard addresses the issue of over-apologizing. He notes that apologizing for minor delays, such as replying to an email after a couple of hours, dilutes the impact of apologies for genuine mistakes. As Rickard advises:
“Save ‘sorry’ for real mistakes.”
Self-Advocacy and Assertiveness
The post also delves into the importance of self-advocacy and owning one’s expertise. Rickard criticizes the habit of always seeking permission for even minor decisions, suggesting that individuals should “own their area like the expert they are.” This extends to minimizing one’s achievements, such as attributing success solely to luck or brushing off compliments.
Rickard emphasizes that professionals should actively share their accomplishments and advocate for their needs. He states:
“Failing to advocate for yourself. Waiting to be ‘discovered’ for good work. Share your wins and ask for what you want.”
Furthermore, Rickard touches upon the detrimental effects of avoiding conflict entirely. While politeness is valued, consistently agreeing just to maintain peace can mask genuine expertise and prevent constructive dialogue. Rickard encourages challenging ideas, not individuals, and standing firm in one’s knowledge.
Embracing Full Presence
Ultimately, Rickard’s message is one of authenticity and confidence. He concludes that proving one’s worth does not require playing it safe but rather showing up fully and authentically. As he puts it:
“You don’t need to prove your worth by playing it safe. Show up fully. You deserve to be seen.”
The insights shared by Alec Rickard offer a valuable perspective for professionals looking to enhance their credibility by balancing polish with genuine confidence and assertiveness.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Alec Rickard on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 17, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →