Lacking Common Sense
There are a number of things that can cause a person to be perceived as lacking common sense, who make bad decisions because they fail to perceive certain things, or misinterpret others.
Doesn't Understand Our Corporate Culture
One major blunder is failure to understand a corporate culture: some companies value brash individual actions, others are more consensus-driven, and if you take the wrong approach, it's likely you'll be seen as the one who's in the wrong (even if the culture of the corporation is dysfunctional).
Once in a leadership position, it may be possible to adjust the culture to your liking - but in any situation in which you do not have formal authority, it's seen as swimming against the current.
Even when deviating from "business as usual" is beneficial, approach it carefully. The key is to first demonstrate that you understand and accept the culture before (gently) suggesting alterations.
Doesn't Get It
Then, there's the matter of understanding the issues and concerns of others: you may feel like a situation is totally under control, and that the most meaningful goals are being accomplished - when in reality, its going downhill.
This is often the consequence of failing to consider strategic goals - whether you're being successful at the right things - or failing to consider the priorities and interests of other parties and the consequences your action (or inaction) will have upon them.
Doesn't Have Sound Judgment
Decisions are often assessed by their outcome, as the outcome is generally the result of the judgment that was exercised in making the decision - in considering the facts, considering the consequences, and considering the possible side-effects.
When a decision goes wrong, it may be because a person failed to think things through - and one's reputation is marred as a consequence, regardless of whether there's a reason (or an excuse) that things went awry.
Insists on Needs Assessment
A person who insists on needs assessment is often seen as indecisive (if they need to do a detailed analysis before making a decision) or officious (if they require others to do a lot of make-work before they will deign to do their job). Neither helps one's credibility.
Doesn't See the Big Picture (or the Small One)
Another issue with credibility comes from focus: a person who focuses on the granular details so much that their decision is at odds with the strategic goals of the organization, or a person who is so concerned with lofty matters that they don't consider the implications "in the trenches."
To gain credibility, a leader must have three levels of vision:
- Far Sight - How a decision impacts the organization as a whole, in moving the ball down the field
- Near Sight - How the organization will be affected by the decision, to the level of the individual employee
- In-Sight - Being aware of your own tendencies and blind-spots, and making sure that you're making the best decision