Show Me You Are Worth Following as a Leader

The term “leader” is applied in many settings from business, government, sports, the arts to social media. It can also be a synonym for someone in charge, such as a boss, manager, or a person who is self-appointed and has little or no actual leadership ability.

We now even have thought leaders who offer to guide us to higher levels of reflection, learning , and insight.

This week's newsletter will provide you with some perspective for being a leader who models integrity or help you coach someone who is striving to be worthy of the title.

Before giving you typical business examples, consider other definitions and applications.

Design: Design integrity refers to the ability of a component or structure to operate at optimum level under the pressure of a load and its own weight.

Music: Musical integrity requires the musicians to be true to the composers’ intentions and spirit of the work and not just play the correct notes with the right timing.

Relationships: Relational integrity means doing what you say you will. Making and honoring commitments. Being patient, kind, showing understanding, and modeling grace.

As in the other examples provided, integrity in leadership is crucial to lay the foundation of trust and credibility. It involves being honest, ethical, and consistent in actions and decisions, especially when faced with difficult situations. Leaders with high integrity model transparency, accountability, and fairness, which fosters a positive organizational culture and encourages others to follow their example. In simple terms, it means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

5 Behaviours to Model to Have Integrity as a Leader

Here are five behaviours to model to have integrity as a leader.

1. Trust Building: This is the connection between leaders and their followers – staff, volunteers, and customers. Leaders who act consistently, with honesty and transparency, are credible.
2. Consistency and Predictability: If you say you’ll do it, that should mean I can count on you to follow through. Leaders with integrity are consistent in their values and actions. This predictability helps team members understand what is expected of them and how to align their actions with the organization's goals and values.
3. Ethical Decision-Making: Leaders with integrity prioritize ethical and moral considerations in their decision-making processes. Decisions are made for the right reasons and in the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders, even if they are not popular or fit into modern culture. Ethical leadership sets a standard for behaviour within the organization or team.
4. Role Modeling: Leaders with integrity serve as role models for their employees and teams. Their behaviour sets the tone for the entire organization, influencing the culture and guiding how employees interact with each other and with external stakeholders. A leader's integrity can inspire others to act with honesty and ethical consideration.
5. Accountability: Integrity involves taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions. Leaders who are accountable set an example for their team, encouraging a culture of ownership and responsibility. This accountability also means acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and being willing to grow even if it means “failing forward.”

Integrity in leadership is not just about adhering to ethical standards; it's about creating a culture where ethical behavior is the norm and where everyone feels a sense of trust and respect. This foundation allows leaders to effectively guide their organizations through both good times and bad, ensuring sustained success and a positive organizational environment.

You've likely read or heard things like this before. Let me personalize this before I wrap up.

Scenario #1: Think of a time when you did something and, in your heart, you knew you were not acting with integrity. How did you feel? Did you shake it off and move on or was it a turning point so the next time you encountered a similar situation you did the right thing?

Scenario #2: You have a situation coming up within the next day, week, or month where, as a leader, you will have to take a stand and possibly go against popular opinion or do something that will be more profitable and beneficial to your company, but will negatively impact customers or users. What will you do? The good news is you have time to prepare before you act.

“Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.”

~ George Eliot

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