The Importance of Integrity

Integrity is measured by the consistency between our words and our actions no matter where we are or who we are with.  While the culture of business seems to no longer value integrity, it is still human nature to desire integrity in our leaders.  Followers are constantly looking for their leaders to do what they say, and followers want their leaders to be authentic, in other words, to be open and honest. 

Our actions are the result of our beliefs.  People cannot consistently act in way that is inconsistent with their beliefs.  So, our level of integrity is going to stem from our personal values system.  Our values system is what guides our priorities and our decisions about right and wrong.  It influences how we treat our colleagues and how we approach our work.  Every day we face circumstances that confront us with deciding between what we want to do and what we should do.  These moments define our level of integrity.  When we choose to do the right thing instead of the convenient thing, we are exhibiting a high level of integrity. 

Leaders who exhibit integrity and authenticity will not lack followers, and their followers will imitate their actions.  Effective leaders tell their followers to do something (“Be on time for work”) and then do it themselves. As a result, their followers will be more inclined to do what they are told and shown (arrive on time for work).  In the same way, if leaders do not practice what they preach, followers will see their inconsistency, lose respect for their leaders and not take their directions seriously. 

When leaders demonstrate integrity to their followers, they gain valuable credibility and the confidence of their followers.  This will lead to the ability to influence their followers to greater degrees of productivity.  Cavett Roberts observed, “If my people understand me, I’ll get their attention.  If my people trust me, I’ll get their action.”* Effective leaders will actually hold themselves to a higher standard than their followers.  As leaders advance in influence, their rights decrease while their responsibilities increase.  Leaders with solid integrity recognize this pattern and refuse to shirk their responsibilities.  Again, as followers see their leaders take responsibility, their esteem for their leaders grows and productivity increases. 

Developing and maintaining integrity results from self-discipline, inner trust, and a heart that purposes to be relentlessly honest at all times and in all situations.  Billy Graham once said, “Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together.  We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact.  When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.”** No matter what business we are in, to be effective leaders we must prize our personal integrity above all else.  What good would it really be to gain all kinds of wealth at the price of our own souls?  Purpose to live a life of integrity and you will never lack followers who imitate you and help your business prosper.

*Quote from John Maxwell’s Developing The Leader Within You, pg. 39.

** Quoted in John Maxwell’s Developing The Leader Within You, pg. 45; originally from Newsweek, 24 August 1987, pg.11.