Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It: Why People Demand it

Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It: Why People Demand it

by James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner
Released August 2011
Publisher(s): Jossey-Bass
ISBN: 9780470651711

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Book description

The first true revision of the classic book from the bestselling author of The Leadership Challenge

As the world falls deeper into economic downturns and warfare, the question of credibility (how leaders gain and lose it) is more important than ever. Building on their research from The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner explore in Credibility why leadership is above all a relationship, with credibility as the cornerstone, and why leaders must "Say what you mean and mean what you say." This first full revision of the book since its initial publication in 1993 features new case studies from around the world, fully updated data and research, and a streamlined format. Written by the premier leadership experts working today, Credibility:

  • Reveals the six key disciplines that strengthen a leader's capacity for developing and sustaining credibility.
  • Provides rich examples of real managers in action
  • Includes updates to the applications and research

This personal, inspiring, and genuine guide helps you understand the fundamental importance of credibility for building personal and organizational success.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Praise Page
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. Introduction: On Credibility and the Restoration of Trust and Confidence
    1. Our Research into Credibility
    2. Who Should Read This Book?
    3. What's New and What's Not
    4. Overview of the Contents
    5. You Make a Difference
  7. Chapter One: Leadership Is a Relationship
    1. The Characteristics of Admired Leaders
    2. Global Leadership and Local Variations
    3. Credibility Is the Foundation of Leadership
    4. Earning Credibility
  8. Chapter Two: Credibility Makes a Difference
    1. Credible Leaders Inspire Loyalty and Commitment
    2. Sustaining Credibility Is a Person-to-Person Activity
    3. Doing What We Say: The Critical Difference
    4. The Six Disciplines for Earning and Sustaining Credibility
  9. Chapter Three: Discover Your Self
    1. Clarify Your Personal Credo
    2. Let Your Values Be Your Guide
    3. Evaluate Your Values
    4. Acquire Competence
    5. Believe You Can Do It
    6. Sum It Up as Character
  10. Chapter Four: Appreciate Constituents
    1. Shift Focus from Self to Others Through Values
    2. Learn About Others and How Diversity Enriches Performance
    3. Begin Appreciation with Listening
    4. Promote Constructive Controversy
    5. Engender Trust
  11. Chapter Five: Affirm Shared Values
    1. Use Shared Values to Make a Difference
    2. Find Common Ground
    3. Create a Trusting Community
    4. Advocate Cooperation and Reciprocation
    5. Reinforce Shared Values Through Organizational Systems
    6. Reconcile Values Dilemmas
  12. Chapter Six: Develop Capacity
    1. Build Competence: Educate, Educate, Educate
    2. Offer Choices, Foster Ownership
    3. Foster Confidence
    4. Create a Climate for Learning
    5. Share Information, Give Feedback
    6. Ensure That Everyone Becomes Responsible
  13. Chapter Seven: Serve a Purpose
    1. Go First
    2. Stay in Touch
    3. Make Meaning, Daily
    4. Become a Storyteller
    5. Regain Credibility Lost
  14. Chapter Eight: Sustain Hope
    1. Take Charge
    2. Balance Hope and Work
    3. Arouse Positive Thoughts and Images
    4. Unleash Your Passion
    5. Give Love and Support
  15. Chapter Nine: The Struggle to Be Human
    1. Tension Between Freedom and Constraint
    2. Tension Between Leading and Following
    3. Tension Between Definitions of Success
    4. From Excellence to Excess
    5. From Self-Discovery to Arrogance
    6. From Appreciation to Fragmentation
    7. From Affirmation to Rigidity
    8. From Development to Vanity
    9. From Serving to Subservience
    10. From Sustaining to Dependence
    11. Initiate Renewal: New Beginnings from the Old Ending
  16. Epilogue: Character Counts
  17. Notes
    1. Introduction: On Credibility and the Restoration of Trust and Confidence
    2. Chapter One: Leadership Is a Relationship
    3. Chapter Two: Credibility Makes a Difference
    4. Chapter Three: Discover Your Self
    5. Chapter Four: Appreciate Constituents
    6. Chapter Five: Affirm Shared Values
    7. Chapter Six: Develop Capacity
    8. Chapter Seven: Serve a Purpose
    9. Chapter Eight: Sustain Hope
    10. Chapter Nine: The Struggle to Be Human
    11. Epilogue: Character Counts
  18. Acknowledgments
  19. About the Authors
  20. Index

Product information

  • Title: Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It: Why People Demand it
  • Author(s): James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner
  • Release date: August 2011
  • Publisher(s): Jossey-Bass
  • ISBN: 9780470651711