Think Like a Leader
Our credibility is something most of us think about. We want to be respected not just for who we are but also for how we lead. And yet it is hard to build a systematic approach to building our own credibility. Like all leadership characteristics it can be developed and improved.
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Feel Like a Leader
Sometimes we don’t just feel credible we feel incredible! But be warned – if we start feeling that way chances are that others may think we are incredible too – but not in the way we hope! Being credible is about being realistic.
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Act Like a Leader
Credibility is built on both expertise and character. The actions we take have to be smart and considerate. Getting that balance right is not only challenging it is also a test of our leadership capability. Character + Competence = Credibility.
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Diane Egbers, founder and CEO of ‘Leadership Excelleration’ joins The Leading Edge host, Travis Nipper, for an overview of the elements that a leader will need to master to own the title of "Credible Leader".
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A “listicle” is an article made of a list, usually with some kind of extra detail to each item. This one comes from Abby Webster in this 2019 article published on the ‘Lead Credibly’ website
10 ways to be a credible leader
- Treat people with respect
- Use empathy
- Keep difficult discussions behind closed doors
- Champion your team members in public
- Trust your people – give your trust by default
- Delegate effectively
- Don’t micromanage
- Be honest with people about their development opportunities
- Get to know your people
- Be generous with recognition.
These are part of an excellent lengthier article - click below to access.
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Another TedX favourite with the core message being people will believe the message if they believe in the messenger. Posner's research on people from 70 different countries has proven that over 80% of people expect their leaders to be honest. That's the #1 quality that people want in a leader that they willingly follow. And a vast majority of people also require that their willingly-followed leaders are forward-looking, inspiring and competent.
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The Paddle Steamer Waverley is the 16th Clydebuilt vessel to be named after Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. It is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1946, she sailed from Craigendoran on the Firth of Clyde to Arrochar on Loch Long until 1973.
Since 2003 Waverley has been listed in the National Historic Fleet by National Historic Ships UK as “a vessel of pre-eminent national importance.” This is her coming into Kilcreggan pier. As the famous song goes…’Oh the river Clyde, the wonderful Clyde / The name of it thrills me and fills me with pride / And I'm satisfied whate'er may betide / The sweetest of songs is the song of the Clyde / Imagine we've left Craigendoran behind / And wind-happy yachts by Kilcreggan we find’.
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Credibility How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, published by Jossey-Bass in 2003.
The authors use detailed research to show how leaders can achieve credibility. They come across as nice guys, writing for similarly nice guys. But not every leader is a nice guy. So trust, but verify. Or lead, and be nice. This book is what good leaders should do and is practical with a solid psychological grounding. Some examples of their findings are:
- Keep your promises. Don’t make promises you cannot keep.
- If you really want to achieve credibility with your constituents or workers, get into the trenches with hands-on people and work alongside them, even if just temporarily.
- No one likes to admit mistakes. So what? Do it anyway, even if it’s painful.
- Be hopeful and positive.
- Listen to other points of view.
- Even when the truth is painful, tell the truth. When people assess their leaders, they value the ability to tell the truth above all else.
- If your constituents trust you to tell the truth, they will trust that everything you say is above board and solid.
- All the rhetoric in the world will not solve a leader’s problems if he or she is not seen to be truthful.
- Even if you do everything perfectly, you cannot always control the end outcome of your leadership efforts.
- The well-regarded leader puts his constituents’ interest first.
Available from Wordery
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Birthday Parties, Incunabula and Galloping Change #78
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...without a little reflection, there is no Insight Added.
"Without character there is no credibility, and without credibility there is no trust."
Warren G Bennis
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Lead well
Graham and Lesley
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