What is integrity in leadership?

Etech’s 12 Character Commitments: Part – 8

Over 12 years ago we made the decision to implement a new philosophy on leadership that supports our vision to make a remarkable difference for each other, our customers, and within our communities. Our goal was to inspire Etech’s leadership team to embrace the challenge to conform our company to a servant-led organization. The pillars of Etech’s servant leadership culture are our 12 leadership commitments.

Those commitments are:

• Being a positive influence
• Valuing others
• Leading with integrity
• Leading with humility
• Leading with courage
• Being a team player
• Communicating well
• Holding yourself and others accountable
• Adapting to change
• Being a lifelong learner
• Being creative
• Embracing, living, and casting our vision

I encourage each of you to read, embrace, and self-evaluate. I would be honored to hear your thoughts or feedback.

Why Is Integrity Important in Leadership?

Today I will address INTEGRITY.

While each character commitment is important, I believe that it all starts with integrity. As leaders, we are called to be authentic, consistent, sincere, and credible. We accomplish this through our actions.

I have seen many “leaders” lose the confidence and trust of their team because they lacked integrity by consistently putting their own needs above the needs of their team and the company.

Below are some tips to help you on your journey to enhancing your integrity.

Be dependable

Always do what you are committed to doing especially when it comes to the livelihood of others.

Set a good example

Lead by example and show others how you expect them to act. Demonstrate honesty, respect, and integrity in all your actions.

Communicate openly

Be transparent and honest with your team by communicating clearly and openly. Encourage honest and open dialogue and be available and approachable.

Take personal responsibility

Take responsibility for your own actions and words. Be accountable for your decisions, don’t try to shift blame.

Practice empathy

Put yourself in the shoes of others. Show respect and empathy for all your team members and treat everyone with dignity and fairness.

Respect confidentiality

Your team members or customers will tell you things in private. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of those conversations. Handle sensitive information carefully and with integrity.

Make ethical decisions

Make decisions that are ethical, honest, and legal. Consider the implications of your decisions, and how they might affect your team, our clients, and our vendors. In my 39 years as a leader, I have seen so many examples of others being unethical. There is no quicker way to lose integrity and respect than by being dishonest. If this is something that does not phase you, then being a leader at Etech is not an option!

Value feedback

Value feedback from your team and use it to help you make better decisions. Encourage constructive criticism and be open to improvement.

Be a subject matter expert

The saying “fake it until you make it” does not apply to a leader of integrity. Know your customer and know our industry.

Put company first

Always make decisions that are aligned with the vision and mission of your company.

I hope this gives you some things to think about today. I encourage you to lead and serve with integrity, it is a choice you get to make each day.

I leave you with quotes from two leaders known for their integrity, enjoy!

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

In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.

– Warren Buffet

Until next time, may you make a difference in the lives of the people you touch each day.