Ask Coach: How Do I Establish Credibility As A Leader?
By Hardin Byars, executive coach with HTG Peer Groups
Q: How do I establish my credibility as a leader to execute on the change that folks want to see happen?
Coach: Start small. At its most fundamental level, credibility is based on setting and meeting expectations consistently. Unfortunately, leaders often believe that they must paint grand visions of the future and, in so doing, may set unrealistic expectations. After several iterations of bold plans unachieved, the rank-and-file have learned to respond to new initiatives with a yawn or a “whatever.”
Press Maravich, father and coach of the legendary Pistol Pete Maravich, was asked how he made Pete into such a great basketball shooter. He said Pete was gifted with great hand-eye coordination, so at a young age Press gave him a tennis ball and asked him to throw it into a garbage can. As time went by and as Pete was able to throw the tennis ball into the can consistently, Press gave him a larger ball and a smaller target. Eventually Pete was shooting a regulation-sized ball into a regulation-sized hoop with remarkable accuracy. The exercise had created an expectation in Pete’s mind that every time the ball left his hand it was going into the basket.
Likewise, the key to credibility is consistent success. Effective leaders create the expectation of success in the minds of their team by consistent achievement against increasingly challenging tasks. You will find that once a team expects to be successful, they will embrace the occasional stretch goals with confidence.
About The Author
Hardin Byars is an executive coach with HTG Peer Groups where he is most energized by helping CEOs apply their God-given talent to achieve their potential and create business value. He also advises senior executives on strategic planning and organizational development to drive sustainable growth. Prior to his affiliation with HTG, Hardin was CEO of Intellinet, a nationally managed Microsoft partner focused on maximizing the business value of corporate IT investments. You can reach him at hbyars@htgpeergroups.com.