Integrity and Credibility

(By Rick Lambert)

Integrity is a leader/manager’s greatest asset; its gives people a place to put their trust, and an example to respect and follow.  Credibility communicates to those around you that you can be taken seriously, and that you can be counted on to keep your word.  Compromising your integrity damages, and in some cases may even destroy your credibility.  Incompetent leaders are simply those with little integrity.  They are more concerned about themselves then the welfare and success of others.  They may be motivated by greed, promotion, or a multitude of other vices that destroy good leadership opportunities.

“Credibility, like reputation, is something that is earned over time.  It does not come automatically with the job or the title.  People tend to assume initially that someone who has risen to a certain status in life, acquired degrees, or achieved significant goals is deserving of the confidence of others.  But complete trust is granted (or not granted) only after people have had the chance to get to know more about the leader.  The credibility foundation is built brick by brick.  And as each new fragment is secured, the basis on which we can erect the hopes of the future is gradually built” (James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner).

True integrity gives the best, brings out the best, expects the best, and always produces the best.  It’s your attitude toward obstructions. Weak integrity complains and then crumbles under pressures, while strong integrity produces stronger resolve in the face of adversity.  As good illustration to this would be the sport of surfing.  To the novice bystander, the large waves are intimidating and to be avoided if you cherish your life, but to the experienced surfer, the thrill is found in the immensity of the wave.