How do you know if a leader has integrity? A simple way of defining integrity is that they “consistently act with an internal moral compass that guides them and they do the right thing even if no one else is around.” What are the main characteristics that come to mind when you think about leaders that you have worked for who demonstrated integrity?
Although this is not an exhaustive list, these are the 5 ways that leaders demonstrate integrity to me:
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They do the right thing and keep their word
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Have a high degree of credibility and own the situation. Show managerial courage to stand up for others and for themselves. Consistently do what say they are going to do. Don’t say things they don’t mean. Get things done and you don’t have to follow up with them constantly. Strong decision makers and they ensure the use of rational judgments. Assess risk and don’t act impulsively.
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Create a culture of trust
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Build relationships of trust with their team and across the organization. Stand by their word and their commitments. Have high values for themselves and they expect excellence from those around them. Act ethically and expect those around them to do the same. Maintain fiduciary and policy related procedures.
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Act authentically
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Act the same way whether they are at work or outside of work. Don’t misrepresent themselves and pretend to be what everyone thinks that they should be. Communicate in a genuine way. Approachable and people believe them because they show who they are at all times.
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They treat others as they expect to be treated
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Respect others and in turn they receive respect. Treat people around them fairly, compassionately and they are loyal. Build strong relationships and support other teams in the organization. Address performance issues in private and not in public to be respectful to the person affected. Demonstrate empathy and caring to those around them.
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Provide transparency
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Open to sharing the information, but maintain confidentiality when required. Provide honest assessments and don’t minimize impacts. Demonstrate honesty in conversations and expect the same from their teams and peers. Appreciate who they are and they are not ashamed to show they are not perfect.
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