Walk the talk – how to be a credible leader

“If you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk.”



Do you think that is just a phrase that has nothing to do with leadership? Think again.



As I’m sure you are aware of, successful leadership consists of a complexity of different skills and behaviors. However, out of all the traits, credibility is widely considered the foundation of leadership.



Consider certain high-profile leaders who have exhibited questionable judgment, such as former BP chief executive Tony Hayward. When his credibility vanished, he was eventually forced to resign. And that’s just once example of a leader forced to quit after losing his or her credibility.



The truth is, once credibility is lost, it is difficult to restore.



A lapse in judgment here and there is understandable to a point. But when a leader constantly displays a lack of integrity, their ability to influence followers becomes diminished. No one wants to work for an unethical leader that displays destructive levels of narcissism. As a result, the workers will become disengaged and merely go through the motions at work or even quit their job.



Keep in mind, when a leader loses credibility it’s not always due to an intense public ordeal like the BP oil disaster. Sometimes leaders do find themselves in a tough spot, where they over-promised and now have to deal with the consequences.



This is why we can’t stress enough how essential it is for leaders to have effective communication skills because it goes a long way in gaining your direct reports’ trust.



When it comes down to it, competence and achieving the respect of others are lasting sources of power that enhances your credibility. Effective leaders rely primarily on these abilities to get things done.



As a leader, you can’t take a chance of losing credibility. So, it is important to reflect and ask yourself these questions: Do you frequently miss deadlines? Do you overpromise and under-deliver? Have you missed opportunities to be a role model for others? If any of these are true for you, notice the areas that are weaknesses and work to improve them.



If you have concerns about your own credibility, you need to identify ways to improve your up-front skills and work relationships. Focusing your efforts on a specific development plan and informing others about your progress may increase your effectiveness.



Here some tips to get you a head start:

Stay up-to-date on “best in class” practices. Benchmark against companies that are leaders in your industry. Look at firms that are leading in areas in which your company is trying to improve.

Gain familiarity with the core functions, systems, and processes of your organization. Determine how each function and core process adds value to the organization. Know who to call in each function when you need information.

Read articles and books to help you improve, and take any available workshops or courses in your targeted areas. · Adjust your leadership style to meet the needs of different individuals and teams.

Work through conflicts to create win/win results. Your credibility increases when you openly address and resolve conflict.

Credible leaders live by their word. So, strive to tell the truth and always clearly state the facts to your employees. In other words, learn how to walk the talk.




Why do you think credibility is an important leadership quality?

Netflix: a leadership lesson in humility

By now, I’m sure you have heard about Netflix splitting into two different brands, one for online streaming, and the other for DVDs.



Whether you are outraged or indifferent to this announcement, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings gave us plenty to talk about.



Fully aware of the negative reactions to his company’s changes, Reed wrote a letter where he took full responsibility for the disengagement of its customers.

"I messed up. I owe everyone an explanation,” he wrote.



He went on to give his reasoning behind the changes, and he blamed the company’s mistakes on his own arrogance. He also stated he understood that the public feels Netflix, as a whole, disrespected its loyal

customer base.



While it’s a surprising and gutsy move when a leader acknowledges mistakes and offers a public apology, some have dismissed Reed’s apology as too little, too late.



Regardless of your opinion on Netflix and Reed, this situation does show a lesson in humility.



While humility is not always considered a vital leadership trait, it should be.

As we have covered before, some leaders suffer from an overabundance of ego, pride, and arrogance. However, it’s not a secret that followers are more receptive to a leader who is dependable and full of integrity. Among their many characteristics, humble leaders treat everyone with respect, regardless of position, and are transparent with what’s going on in the company, good or bad.

As Reed has learned, small deviations from complete honesty and integrity are often magnified and remembered for a long time. While his letter is a step in the right direction, he will have to make sure he holds true to his words.

Hopefully, you won’t find yourself in a public relations nightmare like Netflix, but you are bound to make mistake sometime in your leadership career. Here are some development tips to keep in mind:

Do not promise or commit (including to deadlines) unless you will honor the commitment. Consistently follow through on commitments.

Make sure your message is consistent. Avoid saying different things to different audiences.

Don’t promise confidentiality if you aren’t certain you can or should keep the information private.

Involve your team members in the goal-setting process. Discussion and information exchange encourage understanding and commitment.

If you have lost trust and do not know what you did, ask. Listen carefully to what is said, without arguing or trying to defend yourself. After you fully understand what you did that came across in a way you did not intend, you can begin to develop a strategy to make it right.

Reflect on your successes and failures, and think about how you would manage your failures if they happened today.

Going forward, Reed should keep the adage, “Actions speak louder than words” in mind. Actions should always be consistent with what you say you believe.



What do you think about Reed and his letter of apology?