What is Your Credibility Index?

What makes a leader effective and influential? Is it charisma, vision, skills, or something else? In this blog post, I will argue that the most important factor for leadership success is credibility. Credibility is the quality of being trusted and believed in by others. It is the cornerstone of effective leadership and lasting influence. John C. Maxwell’s famous quote on credibility says, ‘’Credibility is a leader's currency. With it, he or she is solvent; without it, he or she is bankrupt.” Think of a bank account in the red; now, think of a leader whose perceived credibility is in the red.

Why is credibility so important?

Because without it, leaders cannot inspire, motivate, or persuade others to follow them. People will not listen to leaders who lack credibility, or who are inconsistent, dishonest, or unreliable. People will not follow leaders who do not practice what they preach, or who do not care about their followers' needs and interests. People will not respect leaders who do not have integrity, competence, or character.

How can leaders build and maintain credibility?

Here are some personal factors to work on. (More on this in our upcoming webinar)

- Be consistent. Do what you say you will do and do it well. Follow through on your promises and commitments. Align your words and actions with your values and principles. Do not change your mind or behavior based on convenience or pressure.

- Be reliable. Deliver on your expectations and responsibilities. Meet your deadlines and standards of quality. Provide support and guidance to others when needed. Do not let others down or disappoint them.

- Be respectful. Treat others with dignity and courtesy. Listen to their opinions and perspectives. Acknowledge their contributions and achievements. Appreciate their diversity and differences. Do not judge or criticize them unfairly.

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