6 C's of Credibility

Influence used to largely be a function of position. Today, our understanding of the leadership process veers away from the ideas of positional power, authority, manipulation, and coercion. Instead, we now believe that influence occurs when leaders build and use their credibility. Real leadership, in other words, transpires when people choose to follow their leaders because they are seen as credible.

According to author Tony Smith and the Leadership Research Institute (LRI), of which he is Co-Founder and Managing Director, leadership credibility is based on six dimensions:

1. Conviction. The passion and commitment the leader demonstrates toward his or her vision.

2. Character. Consistent demonstration of integrity, honesty, respect, and trust.

3. Care. Demonstration of concern for the personal and professional well-being of others.

4. Courage. Willingness to stand up for one’s beliefs, challenge others, admit mistakes, and change one’s own behavior when necessary.

5. Composure. Consistent display of appropriate emotional reactions, particularly in tough or crisis situations.

6. Competence. Proficiency in hard skills, such as technical, functional, and content expertise skills, and soft skills, such as interpersonal, communication, team, and organizational skills.