Are You Qualified?

It has been an interesting week. Given the state of the stock market and the economy in general that probably represents an understatement. It has been especially interesting to me based on a couple of experiences I have had. It hardly seems that they took place in the same week.
I made a couple of posts on LinkedIn as I typically do each week or so. The first was on the topic of the current presidential campaign and my "sadness" at the tone that some of the campaign rhetoric has taken on. In some cases the support on both sides is almost pathological. My point wasn't to support either candidate, but rather to lament resorting to character attacks on the part of either.
My second post was about where we "learn" leadership. Once again I got interesting responses ranging from "leadership is inherent in the DNA" to people that feel like the Bible or the Koran clearly lay out the expectations of leaders.
I also had a couple of "professional" discussions this week which caused me to pose my question. In one conversation we evolved into the debate about Gen X and Millenials. He was commenting that their expectations are too high and they aren't doing the "work" necessary to achieve their aspirations. I asked him if he was mentoring any of the young people in his firm and he responded that he would mentor them if they asked, but he would not proactively seek them out. So I said- "What if they don't know how to ask?"
My experiences with those generations has been different. I find them inquisitive, engaged, but frankly less patient based on what they saw their parents and grandparents experience. Their interpersonal skills have definitely been shaped by cell phones, the internet, and video games; but they do have an appetite to learn.
Then I had someone ask me why I believe I am "qualified" to do the work I do. He indicated that he had degrees and certifications that clearly "qualified" him, but I seem to be lacking those "credentials".

So what makes us "qualified"? Short of professions with a licensing requirement is there really a definitive test? Is is our track record, our "following" or some other set of criteria?

As usual I am going to retreat into the simplistic. I believe what makes us "qualified" is the trust and respect that others are willing to place in us. On my "short" list of qualifications for leaders I would include vision, clarity, and integrity. I have found that those elements are foundational to the most binding element in any relationship- the element of trust. Without trust we have nothing and trust cannot be demanded, it can only be earned.
So I would respond to my questioner that for now, what makes me "qualified" is the trust and respect that others have bestowed on me. It is a gift not a right and they may choose to withdraw it at any time.