The Credibility Gap
One of the biggest challenges leaders face today isn’t about strategy, innovation, or results.
It’s about credibility.
Research by the Center for Creative Leadership involving more than 48,000 leaders found a common theme called the “credibility gap.”
It’s the space between what leaders say and what they actually do.
Between intentions and impact.
Between promises made and promises kept.
And it quietly destroys trust, influence, and culture.
⚠️ Why It Matters
Trust fades quickly. Once people sense inconsistency, it spreads fast.
Influence weakens. When words lose meaning, inspiration loses power.
Culture reflects leadership. People follow what they see, not what they hear.
🔑 How Leaders Can Close the Gap
1. Be clear and follow through. Say what you mean and deliver what you promise.
2. Own your mistakes. People don’t expect perfection, they expect honesty.
3. Act consistently. Integrity shows up in the small, everyday moments.
4. Ask for feedback. Others can see what you might be missing.
5. Communicate more than you think you need to. Clarity builds confidence.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about being reliable, transparent, and aligned with what you stand for.
Credibility is built quietly, in moments when no one is watching… and remembered when everyone is.
How do you keep your words and actions aligned as a leader?