Integrity is often hailed as one of the most crucial qualities for effective leadership. But what exactly does integrity mean, and why is it so important for those in leadership positions?
At its core, integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It involves consistency in actions, values, methods, and principles, no matter the circumstances. For leaders, integrity means being truthful, transparent, and ethical in all their dealings.
Key facets of integrity include honesty, consistency, accountability, ethical behaviour, and trustworthiness. Ethical behaviour has never been more challenging for leaders than it is in our current, polarized world where the choices of others are based on values we may not agree with but are impacted by. Increasingly I see leaders compromising their own values in the face of value-conflicts, but this is not integrity it is capitulation. If leaders are unwilling capitulate, they are more often than not walking away from organisations and roles where their personal values are under attack, yet they are expected to honour, respect, and safeguard the values of others.
Finding our way through the integrity minefield as leaders is not going to get easier but is more important than ever. Integrity builds trust which is the foundation to success. Integrity enhances reputation which can lead to better relationships and increased loyalty.
When leaders consistently exhibit integrity it promotes a positive work environment – they set the tone for the entire organization. Integrity facilitates effective decision making processes within a consistent framework. In short, integrity ensures long term success. In my own experience, whenever I have been a follower to a leader with integrity I feel safe and this fosters doing my best work.
We demonstrate integrity by admitting mistakes, treating others fairly, communicating and sharing information with transparency, and choosing the right course of action even when it might not be the easiest or most profitable choice.
Embracing and upholding integrity in leadership is not just about avoiding wrongdoing; it’s about consistently striving to do what’s right, building a legacy of trust, and leading by example in every situation.
And like so many of the topics we discuss in the leadership sphere, integrity is not just a leadership quality—it’s a way of life that influences every aspect of personal and professional success.
If you are finding it difficult to live a life of integrity please reach out on 0456728961 or elizabethdenniss@bigpond.com