7 Myths about Credibility and Leadership
by Leadership Discipleship Resources LLC
There are several popular myths about leadership and credibility. To develop true credibility we need to guard ourselves from believing the myths because they do not develop true credibility.
MYTH 1: Image is more important than CHARACTER.
Truth: We develop credibility when character is more important than image. Credibility crumbles without integrity. We can pretend to be honest, genuine, and competent for a time, but the pressure of problems reveals our true character.
MYTH 2: Leaders have more RIGHTS than followers.
Truth: Position does not grant special privileges. Leaders actually have fewer rights and more responsibility than others. Servant leaders give up their rights and make personal sacrifices which in turn increases credibility.
MYTH 3: Leadership is a POSITION of power.
Truth: Leadership has little to do with position. Leadership and credibility have more to do with character, commitment, and competence than with position.
MYTH 4: A leader can lead by position regardless of EXAMPLE.
Truth: A credible leader leads by example not by the power of position. A leader who does not model his expectations will not have followers for very long. A personal example of integrity builds credibility more than the role or position a leader has.
MYTH 5: CHARISMA is fundamental to leadership.
Truth: This erroneous view can lead to hero worship and cultism. Charisma is the result not the cause of effective credible leadership. Charisma that is viewed simply as a personality trait is shallow. Charisma is really the end result of a person who is credible because they demonstrate character, competence, commitment, and compassion. One who relies on their charismatic personality for credibility will find that it won’t endure. However, charisma is not necessary for authentic leadership. Other team members will follow when they we exhibit true credibility and leadership whether or not we have a charismatic personality.
MYTH 6: A leader’s personal and public life do not have to be CONGRUENT.
Truth: This is an attempt to excuse moral failures and character flaws. Credibility requires congruency and consistency in all areas of one’s life. The credible person will not have a gap between who they are in their private life and who they are in their public life.
MYTH 7: Integrity is not essential to SUCCESS.
Truth: If we define success in terms of money, position, or power, then integrity is not necessary. True success, however, is living in harmony with God’s principles and purposes. This requires integrity and builds true credibility.
