Truth 2: Credibility Is the Foundation of Leadership

Leadership begins with you and your belief in yourself. Leadership continues only if other people also believe in you.

The Truth Is That Credibility Is the Foundation of Leadership. What does it take to be the kind of person, the kind of leader, others want to follow, and will do so enthusiastically and voluntarily?
It turns out that the believability of the leader determines whether people will willingly give more of their time, talent, energy, experience, intelligence, creativity and support. Only credible leaders earn commitment, and only commitment builds and regenerates great organizations and communities.

Constituents Have Clear Expectations of Their Leaders
Leadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow. You can't have one without the other. Leadership strategies, tactics, skills and practices are empty without an understanding of the fundamental dynamics of this relationship.
In every relationship people have expectations of each other. Sometimes these expectation are clearly voiced, and other times they're never discussed, but nonetheless, expectations are present in every human relationship. By surveying tens of thousands of people around the world, asking them to select the qualities that they most want in a leader, the results reveal there are a few essential "character tests" someone (you) must pass before others are willing to grant the designation of leader.
Before anyone is going to willingly follow you - or any other leader - he or she wants to know that you are honest, forward-looking, inspiring and competent. Before they are going to voluntarily heed your advice, take your direction, accept your guidance, trust your judgment, agree to your recommendations, buy your products, support you ideas and implement your strategies, people expect that you will measure up to these criteria. Credibility ties it all together.
In the investigation of admired leadership qualities, the data reveals that more than anything people want to follow leaders who are credible. Credibility is the foundation of leadership.

- by James M. Kouzers & Barry Z. Posner