Credibility is the Foundation

1. Credibility is the Foundation What people look for and admire in Leaders

2. Desired Leader Attributes • Honesty • Forward-Looking • Inspiring • Competent

3. Honest • Are they worthy of our trust? • Are they truthful, ethical and principled. • We – all of us – do not want to be lied to! • We want a leader who knows right from wrong. • There honesty is also a reflection upon our own honesty. • If we follow someone dishonest then we compromise our own integrity. • Honesty is strongly tied to values and ethics. • We appreciate people who know where they stand on important principles.

4. Forward-Looking • Clarity of a future is difficult to attain. • We want know what the organization will look like, feel like and be like when it arrives at its destination. • Clear vision of the future. • We want to be engaged in the search for a meaningful future

5. Inspiring • We expect our leaders to be enthusiastic, energetic and positive about the future. • The encourages people to “sign on” • Leaders must uplift their constituents spirits and give them hope. • Constituents need to have meaning and purpose in their lives. • To get things done in extraordinary times, leaders must inspire optimal performance … • This can be fueled by positive emotions

6. Competent • We want to see our leader as having relevant experience and sound judgment. • “track record” and ability to get things done • Technical Experience • Involves active participation in situational and functional events.

7. Credibility is the Foundation • Next Week (Tuesday) • Leadership Quiz – What kind of leadership style are you? • http://psychology.about.com/library/quiz/bl-leadershipquiz.htm

8. Credibility is The Foundation • “the Kouzes-Posner First Law of Leadership” • If you don’t believe the messenger, you won’t believe the message.

9. Credibility Matters • When people perceive their immediate manager to have high credibility, they’re significantly more likely to: • Be proud to tell others they’re part of the organization • Feel a strong sense of team spirit • See their own personal values as consistent with those of the organization • Feel attached and committed to the organization • Have a sense of ownership of the organization

10. Credibility Matters • When people perceive their manager to have low credibility, however, they’re significantly more likely to: • Produce only if they’re watched carefully • Be motivated primarily by money • Say good things about the organization publicly but criticize it privately • Consider looking for another job if the organization experiences problems • Fell unsupported and unappreciated

11. Credibility Goes Beyond Attitudes • Can we have loyalty without credibility • Disloyalty can dampen performance as much as 50 percent

12. What is Credibility Behaviorally • They practice what they preach • They walk the talk • Their actions are consistent with their words • They put their money where their mouth is • They follow through on their promises • Hey do what they say they will do • “the Kouzes-PosnersSecond Law of Leadership” • DWYSYWD: Do What You Say You Will Do