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Tom Lemanski

The Power of Integrity: Why Commitment Matters

Integrity

INTEGRITY

The Unspoken Quality that Makes a Great Leader

Without it, leaders are simply managers who lack the trust and respect of their followers.

In his book “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership,” author Jim Dethmer defines integrity as

“The alignment of your words, thoughts, and actions.”

When leaders are truly aligned, they are able to build strong relationships, inspire others, and create a positive impact in the world.

Let’s explore the importance of integrity in leadership and how to develop it. We will draw on the insights of Jim Deters and other experts on conscious leadership to provide practical tips that you can use to become a more principled and effective leader.

So whether you are a new leader or a seasoned veteran, I encourage you to read on and learn how to build your leadership integrity. It is one of the most important things you can do to become a great leader.

Leader with Integrity

Integrity Lapses

What are The Risks?

A leader who lacks integrity can face a myriad of negative consequences, Here are some examples

  • Loss of trust: Integrity is vital for leaders as it determines their ability to keep their promises and commitments. Lack of integrity results in a loss of trust of the followers, leading to decreased productivity, morale, and engagement.
  • Damage to reputation: A leader who lacks integrity can damage the reputation of the organization, affecting its image and brand value.
  • Loss of followers: Without integrity, leaders cannot inspire and motivate followers to achieve a common goal, resulting in the loss of followers’ support.
  • Legal issues: Leaders who lack integrity may violate laws and ethical codes, leading to legal issues, fines, and sanctions.
  • Poor decision-making: A leader without integrity may make decisions based on personal interests, biases, and prejudices, leading to poor decision-making and outcomes.
  • Lack of accountability: Leaders who lack integrity may avoid taking responsibility for their actions, resulting in a lack of accountability and credibility.

Integrity is therefore a crucial trait that leaders must possess to achieve long-term success and build trust with their followers, stakeholders, and the wider community.

Five Benefits of Leading with Integrity

  1. You will build trust and respect with your followers.
  2. You will be more effective at inspiring and motivating others.
  3. You will create a more positive and productive work environment.
  4. You will set a good example for others to follow.

Five Tips for Developing Your Leadership Integrity

  1. Be honest and transparent in all your dealings.
  2. Keep your commitments.
  3. Be accountable for your actions.
  4. Walk your talk.
  5. Be willing to admit when you are wrong.

Integrity is NOT Something that You Can Fake.

 It is something that you have to earn over time. But if you are willing to put in the effort, it is one of the most valuable qualities you can have as a leader.

Committing to Making Integrity a Habit

The sixth commitment of conscious leadership stated above is one of the most important – integrity.

With this commitment, leaders must always be transparent and honest in their interactions with others. It’s not just about telling the truth, but also about following through on their promises and taking responsibility for their mistakes. Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and conscious leaders understand this. They know that without integrity, it’s impossible to build lasting relationships.

In addition to being honest, leaders with integrity also create a culture of accountability and authenticity within their organizations. They empower their teams to speak up, even when it’s difficult, and they hold themselves and others accountable for their actions. This creates a safe and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive.

Commitment to Integrity

Commitment to Integrity

I commit to the masterful practice of integrity, including acknowledging all authentic feelings, expressing the unarguable truths and keeping my agreements. 
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As part of their commitment to integrity, conscious leaders also take the time to understand their own values and beliefs. They ensure that they align with those of the organization, so that they can lead with authenticity and purpose. By doing so, they demonstrate to their teams that they are committed to doing what is right, even when it’s not easy.

In the end, the commitment to integrity leads to better results for the organization as a whole. Conscious leaders who prioritize integrity attract and retain top talent, build strong partnerships with other organizations, and ultimately achieve long-term success.

Take The Pledge

To repeat the Integrity Commitment above:   

I commit to the masterful practice of integrity, including acknowledging all authentic feelings, expressing the unarguable truths and keeping my agreements. 

Your integrity defines your ability to lead.  If you’re not committed, your followers will sense it and disengage.  

5 Responses

  1. Tom, Good eye! Thanks for sharing this. I read “The 15 Commitments of Conscience Leadership” a while back and really enjoyed it. It’s simple, straight forward and worthwhile.

    Reply

  2. Tom, It has been a while. I am still here. Your take on integrity has been my mantra. I whole heartedly belive is one of the main reasons I have been able to survive all the different business atmospheres for over 35 years. I thank you for putting this virtue into words.
    Kurt

    Reply

  3. Really appreciate including admitting your mistakes as a critical aspect of integrity. So important for building and maintaining trust with your team. Thanks Tom!

    Reply

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