Avoid regrettable actions: Leading with Credibility When It Matters Most

A credible leader is like a lighthouse guiding ships through rough waters. Their consistency and reliability ensure that people trust their direction, even in uncertainty. But when credibility wavers—when leaders fail to uphold their own standards or avoid accountability—trust erodes quickly, often with lasting consequences.

I recently worked with a Chief of Staff who found themselves grappling with this very issue. Their Managing Director (MD) had initially supported a new corporate travel policy designed to ensure fairness and financial responsibility across the company. The policy was clear: while executives could add personal vacation days to business trips, they were responsible for covering the additional costs. The MD approved and signed off on this policy, reinforcing the expectation that all employees, regardless of title, would adhere to the same guidelines.

However, when the Head of Marketing was asked to personally cover a $900 expense from a recent trip, they pushed back—arguing that the policy was unfair and taking the issue directly to the MD. Instead of upholding the policy, the MD made an exception, allowing the company to absorb the cost. Worse, they avoided addressing the matter with the Chief of Staff, sidestepping accountability and creating a sense of favouritism.

In that moment, the MD’s leadership credibility took a major hit. Their inconsistency signalled to employees that policies weren’t truly firm, that those with influence could bend the rules, and that accountability was negotiable. The damage? A Chief of Staff now questioning their leader’s integrity. An organization where trust in leadership had been weakened. A workforce left wondering whether policies truly mattered—or if they were only enforced when convenient.

“Credibility is the leader's currency. With it, he or she is solvent; without it, he or she is bankrupt," John Maxwell

Why Leadership Credibility Matters

Credibility is the foundation of effective leadership. It builds trust, inspires confidence, and fosters loyalty. When leaders are credible, their teams believe in their vision, follow their guidance, and remain committed even through uncertainty. Without credibility, communication falls flat, engagement drops, and resistance to leadership grows.

The data backs this up: According to a study by Kouzes and Posner, 88% of employees say they are more engaged when they believe their leaders are credible. This shows a direct link between a leader’s credibility and their ability to motivate teams and drive business success. If employees don’t trust leadership, engagement and performance suffer.

And right now, trust in leadership is slipping. According to Harvard Business Review, global trust in leadership has dropped from 80% in 2022 to just 69% in 2024. This decline highlights an urgent need for leaders to prioritize rebuilding credibility.

 

 

10 Ways to Build and Protect Leadership Credibility

1. Lead by Example

·     Integrity isn’t just a value—it’s a practice. Lead with honesty and strong moral principles.

·       Your actions set the tone. Model the behaviors and values you expect from your team.

2. Demonstrate Competence

·       Knowledge earns respect, but applying it effectively earns trust.

·       Stay sharp in your field and show confidence without arrogance.

3. Be Transparent

·       Trust grows when people understand why decisions are made.

·       Communicate openly—especially when delivering tough news.

4. Stay Consistent

·       Stability in decisions, actions, and communication creates confidence.

·       Avoid exceptions that undermine trust or policies.

5. Follow Through

·       Do what you say you will—especially when it’s difficult.

·       Even small inconsistencies can erode credibility.

6. Hold Yourself and Others Accountable

·       Apply the same standards to everyone—including yourself.

·       Accountability builds trust; avoidance weakens it. Own mistakes and learn from them.

7. Lead with Empathy

·       People trust leaders who genuinely see them. Understand and value different perspectives.

·       Build authentic connections with your team.

8. Focus on the Future

·       A credible leader isn’t just reactive—they’re forward-thinking.

·       Inspire others by communicating a clear vision with passion.

9. Practice Emotional Intelligence

·       Stay composed under pressure. Recognize and regulate emotions—both yours and others’.

·       Navigate conflict with understanding, not defensiveness.

10. Lead with Humility

·       Admit when you don’t know something and stay open to learning.

·       Recognize and value contributions from everyone—not just those at the top.

 

The Bottom Line

Leadership credibility isn’t built overnight, but it can be lost in an instant. Consistency is what turns words into trust and values into action. When leaders stand firm in their commitments—especially in difficult moments—they reinforce that trust is not just given, but earned every day.

If you want your team to trust your direction, be the lighthouse they can count on—even in the storm.

Which area could you benefit from improving?