Credibility. A rather vague concept, the meaning of which is everything.
Websters lists two meanings for credibility: 1. the quality or power of inspiring belief 2. capacity for belief. With credibility, people and organizations can accomplish great things. Without it, groups will falter and fold, leaders will falter and fail. Although some think they do, leaders cannot exist in a vacuum. Leaders must encourage transparency, inspire participation and deliver credibility.......always credibility. If a leader loses credibility, she/he may as well pack it up and go home.
A day ago, I was asked if I thought lost credibility could be retrieved and restored. It wasn't the sort of question that I was comfortable answering quickly. I responded, "I will have to think about that one." And think, I have.
I've come to the personal conclusion that once credibility is damaged, diminished, tainted or lost, trying to restore it is very difficult, if not downright impossible. When a person, group, or organization loses credibility, jaundiced eyes will always be watching and jaundiced ears will always be listening, examining every detail of behavior, action, speech or printed word, searching for that one tiny bit of evidence that will justify the follower's cynicism and distrust. Lost credibility is not the fault of the follower, it is the Achilles' Heel of the leader(s).
Leaders, and those placed in leadership roles, need to be meticulous in how they conduct themselves and the business they are about. Their actions and words must be circumspect and have to be able to withstand the incredible scrutiny that accompanies the role of leader. Just the appearance of breached credibility is crucial. If this occurs, the wise leader(s) will face their followers, willing to rebuild the bridge with transparency and truthfulness. Unwise leaders turn their backs to their followers, cloaking themselves in further secrecy and withdrawal.
Followers can smell the truth and are very skilled at basic mathematics. Two and two need to add to four. Not 3.95 today or 4.07 tomorrow. Two and two must always equal four, not just when it is convenient for the leaders. Convenience does not equate to credibility.
This is Leadership 101. Let's all enroll tomorrow.
Ancora imparo
