Since the pandemic in which leaders were encouraged by experts to demonstrate more empathy, compassion and humaneness, leadership behaviour has been constantly scrutinized. My research, however, challenges the notion that these traits make someone a better manager. These attributes can be interpreted differently by different people, and this can lead to different expectations. Authenticity is easily weaponized, allowing for bad behavior. Credibility is what I think we really want in a leader.
I have created and tested nine essential leadership traits based on my exploration of leadership, and the traits, skills and behaviors that contribute to credibility. These traits include creating psychological security, being decisive, having empathy, flexibility and integrity, as well as taking action. I conducted two surveys, with over 350 participants from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. This included 166 leaders as well as 171 followers. Both groups ranked nine traits according to importance and answered open questions.
Leaders’ perspective on results
According to the survey, a large majority (99%) of leaders felt that it was very or important to be perceived as credible. Integrity was ranked as the most important characteristic at 45.1%. Trustworthiness came in second at 27.7%.
Data also revealed that women and men leaders placed traits in the same order. However, women leaders placed a greater emphasis on trustworthiness than men. Moreover, data showed that older people value integrity more than younger people. Leaders were asked to identify the greatest challenges they face in establishing credibility. Common themes emerged around time management and relationships, as well as navigating uncertainty and change.
Results as seen by followers
Only 4% of respondents said that taking action is the most important trait. There was no difference in the ranking of traits between men and women.
Also, there was a difference between the rankings of leaders and followers. Men ranked being liked, flexibility, and integrity higher than women for leaders. Women rank vulnerability, empathy and psychological safety higher than men for followers.
This research has two key findings: that we have a distorted view of what women and men believe about leadership and that building credibility in leadership is difficult. We can take focused action to address credibility issues by understanding the root causes.
Eight practices for credible leadership
Research revealed that traits such as decisiveness, taking action and psychological safety can be absorbed by other traits. This is because the need to feel supported in the team comes from a larger desire to feel safe. This insight led us to create eight practices of credible leaders, a blend that combines complementary traits and behaviours. These practices are consistent and allow people to follow.
Believe those who are in charge.
https://redefiningcomms.com/research-and-reports/how-to-be-a-credible-leader/
