The Power of Credibility

The other day I entered a room in our house that I had gone into countless times before. I flicked on the light switch only to have the light not go on. The light bulb had run its course and needed to be replaced. No big deal. Fortunately, it turns out that even I know how to change a light bulb. Reflecting on that, particularly in these times of a possible pandemic in the world, including the United States, the light bulb incident serves as a clear reminder that none of us should take anything for granted these days. What has been in-place up till now does not mean it is going to be in-place tomorrow.

As scientists strive to produce an antidote for the coronavirus, how well all of us manage the reality of the virus and the challenge of remaining in good-health, rides on the credibility of our sources of information. Believing what national leaders say serves as a strong resource in times of uncertainty. Their words can help keep us calm and confident that things will be okay. If, however, what they say is not accurate or timely, then the challenge of dealing with the virus is made worse. It erodes confidence and, taken to an extreme, can cause panic. Obviously, such a turn would not be of help to anyone.

For leaders to be effective, they must be credible. There is a direct link between doubt and chaos. With literally millions of people focusing on what to do to successfully cope with the virus, their actions are largely dependent upon their principle sources of information. What makes this particularly dicey in the U.S. is the fact the country's current leadership has a credibility problem. It has a reputation for lying. As a result, the challenge of contending with the virus is made harder. Given this, the good news the leaders, I believe, are trying to do what is right and citizens are continuing to look to them for guidance and assurance. While I believe we will eventually get through this, the path to that better place is not as straight as it could or should be.