Back in my corporate days, several employees noted their respect for me because of my skill, expertise, and experience credibility, not for my leadership style. OUCH!
And, in those days, ones skills and the results achieved were paramount… leadership credibility came second.
In today’s hyper-competitive corporate landscape, credibility and integrity are more than just ethical ideals—they are strategic imperatives. Leaders who consistently demonstrate these traits not only foster trust and loyalty but also drive better business outcomes.
So, I could have achieved even more by being a more effective, engaging, and supportive leader? ABSOLUTELY!
According to a 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer report, 63% of employees rank their trust in leadership as critical to their job satisfaction and performance. So, how can leaders ensure they embody these qualities?
Credibility is earned through consistent behavior that aligns with stated values and commitments. So, the first question you need to ask yourself is – do I know my purpose, values, and beliefs, and am I committed to standing firm and living by them, no matter what?
Leaders who “walk the talk” build a reputation that inspires confidence. A Harvard Business Review study found that employees who view their leaders as credible are 2.5 times more likely to be engaged and productive.
To enhance credibility:
- Deliver on Promises: Be realistic with commitments and always follow through.
- Transparent Communication: Share your vision, values, expectations, and the rationale behind decisions and be open to feedback.
- Demonstrate Expertise: Stay informed and skilled in your domain to lead with authority, without micromanaging.
Integrity in leadership is about adhering to moral and ethical principles, even when it’s inconvenient. Simply put, doing the right thing. A Glassdoor survey revealed that 73% of employees expect their leaders to act with integrity, emphasizing its importance in workplace culture.
Ways to uphold integrity include:
- Lead by Example: Model ethical behavior in every action. You may even want to follow the Golden Rule – do unto others as you want done unto you.
- Own Your Mistakes: You, of all members of your team, need to admit when your wrong, made a mistake or a bad decision. You can’t expect others to accept accountability, if you don’t. Accountability fosters respect and trust.
- Fair Decision-Making: The worst act a leader can do is to make decisions based on favoritism or bias. Base decisions on fairness rather than favoritism.
Organizations led by credible and ethical leaders consistently outperform their peers. A 2022 Gallup report shows that companies with high trust levels see 50% lower turnover rates and 29% higher profitability. This is because credibility and integrity create a foundation for psychological safety, innovation, and collaboration.
Remember, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Leaders who prioritize credibility and integrity make employees feel valued, respected, and motivated, leaving a lasting positive impact.
What can you do to elevate your credibility?
- Seek Feedback: Regularly solicit input from peers and subordinates to identify blind spots.
- Set Clear Standards: Establish and communicate ethical guidelines for your team.
- Reward Integrity: Recognize and celebrate employees who demonstrate ethical behavior.
My biggest lesson after leaving my corporate job and that reputation of ‘lacks leadership’ was to identify my strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots, and make the shifts needed to ensure my skills, expertise, and experience were elevated as a result of the leadership, guidance, support, and connection I provided to those around me. By the way, it’s relevant at work and at home.
WANT MORE STRATEGIES ON CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY? Check out our episode on Shedding the Corporate Bitch with guest, Mitchell Levy, of Credibility Nation. It was fantastic. LISTEN HERE WATCH HERE
