Lack of what can undermine a supervisor's authority?

When a supervisor lacks consistency, it can significantly undermine their authority. Consistency in decision-making, policy enforcement, and behavior helps establish trust and reliability among team members. When a supervisor demonstrates inconsistent behavior—such as applying rules differently to different team members or frequently changing expectations without clear communication—it can lead to confusion and perception of favoritism. This inconsistency can create an environment where team members may challenge the supervisor's decisions or authority, as they may feel that the rules are arbitrary or not uniformly enforced.

In contrast, creativity, communication, and activity, while important in their own rights, do not directly impact a supervisor's authority in the same way. Creativity may enhance a supervisor's effectiveness, but it does not fundamentally alter their authoritative position. Effective communication is crucial for clarity and understanding, but inconsistency in actions can overshadow good communication. Activity refers to the engagement level of the supervisor but doesn't necessarily affect authority unless aligned with consistent leadership behavior. Thus, lack of consistency is key in maintaining a supervisor's authoritative role within a team or organization.