The cynicism toward credible and ethical leaders places these leaders in a quandary of their own. These leaders affirm the importance of taking time to evaluate the character, competence and commitment of those that you follow and support. No leader will ever become a spotless moral paragon. And yet each must be committed to doing what it takes to do what is right. What a leader does in private does matter, and will decrease or increase his scope of influence.
Time proves both the value of one s virtues and the consistency with which they are displayed.
Time is the acid test that determines the credibility and morality of any leader. Media exposure is of limited value in putting forward and establishing one s virtue. The establishment of one s moral authority is a result of building a credible reputation in a relatively small culture. From this culture there is the chance of multiplied influence as one s reputation becomes legendary. The antidote to cynicism is reality.