Choose Topic Annual Statistical Report Bible Bible Storying Bible Study Chronological Bible Storying Church Planting Church Planting Movements Communication Computers CPPI/ASR Cultural Acquisition Deaf Ministry Discipleship Ethnomusicology Evangelism Forms Greeting Cards Historias Para Vivir Home Schooling House Church Iglesia Con Propósito Internet Evangelism Language Learning Leadership Logos Media Member Care Ministry Sites and Portals Mobilization Music People Group Research Personality Profiles Prayer Purpose Driven Church Radio Programs Available Sam Region Logos School Resources Simple Church Scripture Storying T4T Teaming Volunteers Web Evangelism Guide

Servant Leaders' Credibility

by Dave Travis

Don Zimmer is program director of Wellspring, a Washington, D.C. based training program for Christian leaders. Earlier this year he wrote a ChampionsFax on Servant Leadership that was very popular. Here are some follow-up thoughts on credibility.

Leaders must earn the trust and confidence of the people they serve. "The heroic leadership myth has been shattered and cynicism has taken its place. But people still want and need leadership. They just want leaders who hold to an ethic of service and are genuinely respectful of the intelligence and contributions of their constituents. They want leaders who will put principles ahead of politics and other people ahead of self-interests." (James Kouzes and Barry Posner, Credibility)

A consistent body of research has shown that the leader who wishes to influence the attitudes of others must establish and maintain his or her credibility. Credibility has traditionally been defined as being trustworthy, competent and inspiring. Other adjectives most frequently used to describe credibility are consistency, fairness, concern, clarity, honesty, sensitivity, sincerity, commitment, enthusiasm, excitement and unambiguous support for the task.

Credibility makes a difference. People can differentiate between the behaviors of individuals who are credible and those who are not. Being credible fosters favorable attitudes, greater pride, stronger spirit, and teamwork; more feelings of ownership and personal responsibility, and better alignment between personal and organizational values. Kouzes and Posner list six disciplines of credibility:

1) discovering

2) appreciating

3) affirming

4) developing

5) serving

6) sustaining...

that reliably measure actions that build the foundation of leadership; they distinguish between those individuals who can lead others to new visions of the future and those who cannot.Leaders serve a purpose and the people who have made it possible for them to lead. The credible leader is one who keeps the purposes and principles of organization ahead of all else. To remain credible as a servant, leaders must stay in touch and listen. Leaders ask questions, keep promises, hold themselves accountable, and atone for their mistakes.

Credibility is the model God chose to use as he introduced himself to his people, choosing not to define himself by a name, but by what he did. Exodus 20:2, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Look back at what I have done for you, I am faithful, because, therefore."Credibility does not come with position; it must be earned. What one spends a lifetime earning can be severely damaged or perhaps lost in a second.

Don Zimmer and Wellspring can be reached via email at DonaldZ7@aol.com. They have an excellent internet mail list service.

Reprinted by permission of Leadership Network – Advance Scouts for the Emerging Church. 800.765.5323. www.leadnet.org