Integrity in Leadership

One of the keynote addresses I’ve been doing for the past few months is entitled “Integrity in Leadership”. One of the top qualities of a great leader is integrity. A person with integrity will be consistent in their actions, values, thought processes, and principles; they will also exhibit a steady manner by which they measure success and will maintain expectations with measurable outcomes. The personality of a high-integrity leader commands a deep commitment for doing the right thing for the right reason.

Perhaps the most important principle of effective leadership, for the person in a position of authority and governance, is the utter dependence on integrity - because it demands truthfulness and honesty. There are countless examples of companies and organizations failing because the leaders haven’t followed basic realities or the common sense that’s required when honestly portraying company business plans and financial results. Integrity means speaking the truth even when the truth may be ugly.

How do you improve your personal integrity? Honesty and truthfulness, along with moral and ethical standards are generally personal choices. To improve yourself, surround yourself with people of similar values. Writing down your values will assist your desire and compulsion to live them. Be aware of situations in social media or your daily life that might challenge your personal self-awareness. Continue to expand your horizons by posing some level of vulnerability, while remaining wise in a discerning manner to hold yourself to high standards.

When you’re doing the “right” things in a reliable and admirable method, then you’ll observe consistent behavior in yourself that will be admired by others. You’ll be recognized and identified by co-workers for being “that person” of integrity, whilst showing honesty and truthfulness in decisions of both minor and major proportions.

Having integrity means doing the right thing in a reliable way. It's a personality trait that we admire, since it means a person has a moral compass that doesn't waiver. Strive each day to be a person who lives a life of character, honesty, love, joy, wisdom and integrity.

Have a tremendous Thursday!