EDITION #9: THE CURRENCY OF LEADERSHIP

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower.

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DEAR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER, you are welcome to the NINTH EDITION of my LinkedIn Newsletter. Thank you for consistently reading and engaging. ??

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In an era of constantly evolving leadership, the importance of integrity cannot be overstated. Whether you lead a family, company, territory, institution, region, or nation, integrity lays the FOUNDATION for trust, credibility, and long-term success. As Alan K. Simpson says, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.”

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But how can you consistently cultivate this vital quality in your leadership? Here are TEN actionable ways to accomplish this, ensuring your leadership legacy is one of integrity, respect, and admiration:

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??LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Your actions speak louder than your words. As Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying.” Demonstrate integrity in every decision and interaction. When your team sees you consistently acting honestly and fairly, they’re more likely to follow suit. Make a conscious effort to align your actions with your stated values, even in challenging situations.

??FOSTER OPEN COMMUNICATION. Create an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged. This builds trust and ensures that issues are addressed promptly and transparently. Regularly hold open forums or Q&A sessions where team members can voice their concerns and ideas without fear of retribution.

??MAKE ETHICAL DECISIONS. Prioritize ethics over expediency. Even when taking shortcuts for immediate gains is tempting, consider the long-term implications of your decisions on your reputation and your organization’s integrity. Establish a decision-making framework that includes ethical considerations and potential impacts on all stakeholders.

??BE TRANSPARENT. Transparency is critical to building trust. Share information openly with your team, including both successes and challenges. This fosters a culture of honesty and mutual respect. Regularly update your team on the organization’s goals, progress, and obstacles, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

??HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE. Admit your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions. This shows that you are human and builds credibility with your team. When things go wrong, analyze what happened, communicate the lessons learned, and take steps to prevent future issues.

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??ENCOURAGE ETHICAL BEHAVIOR. Promote a culture of integrity by recognizing and rewarding ethical behavior in your team. This reinforces the importance of integrity and motivates others to act similarly. Develop a recognition program highlighting employees who exemplify integrity in their daily work.

??DEVELOP A STRONG MORAL COMPASS. Stay true to your core values and principles, even when faced with difficult decisions. A solid moral compass helps you navigate complex situations with integrity. Regularly reflect on your values and how they align with your actions and decisions. Seek feedback from trusted mentors or colleagues.

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??BE CONSISTENT. Consistency in your actions and decisions builds trust and reliability. Ensure that your behavior aligns with your stated values at all times. Review your decisions and actions regularly to ensure they consistently reflect your commitment to integrity.

???LISTEN ACTIVELY. Show respect and consideration by actively listening to your team. This builds trust and ensures that you understand different perspectives and can make more informed decisions. Practice active listening techniques, such as summarizing what you’ve heard and asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding.

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??PROVIDE ETHICAL TRAINING. Invest in training programs that emphasize the importance of ethics and integrity. This helps reinforce these values throughout your organization. Include real-world scenarios in training sessions to help employees understand the practical application of ethical principles.

In conclusion, building integrity as a leader is a continuous journey that requires dedication, self-reflection, and a commitment to ethical principles. By incorporating these ten practices into your leadership style, you can cultivate a culture of integrity that enhances your credibility and drives long-term success for your organization.

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Let’s continue the conversation in the comments. Which of these points resonates with you? What strategies have you used to build your integrity as a leader? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments below.

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Did you find this newsletter helpful to you? Please like and repost it to benefit another leader. Are you reading my content for the first time? Let’s connect and grow together. Also, subscribe to my newsletter to receive past and future editions.

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Cheers to Your Continued Growth & Success! Have a pleasant, peaceful, and productive week ahead.

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Your Friend,

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Dr. Rukevwe Odjimogho, M.D.

MLCT Executive Director

[email protected]

______________________________________________________________________________________Are you looking for a Seasoned and Impactful Transformational Leadership Keynote Speaker or Trainer for your next event? Or are you a Business Owner, C-Suite Executive, HR Director, People Coordinator, or Hiring Manager who would love to INCREASE the income, impact, and influence of your organization by building high-performing teams?

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