Have you ever been in a meeting where someone boldly declares integrity as a core value—only to turn around and do the opposite? Yeah, me too.
Years ago, I watched my manager outright lie during a lunch meeting. My stomach churned so much that I had to excuse myself. Later, when I confronted him, his response? “I’ll correct it later.”
The truth is, integrity isn’t about words—it’s about actions. It’s about who we are when no one is watching.
Oprah Winfrey nails it:
“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing nobody will know whether you did it or not.”
Why Integrity Matters in Leadership and Business
Your team always knows–Leaders who say one thing and do another aren’t fooling anyone. People see patterns, and credibility erodes faster than a sandcastle at high tide.
Integrity builds trust–Whether leading a company, a coaching practice, or a team, being impeccable with your word fosters respect and loyalty.
It’s about course correction, not perfection–Harvard’s Michael C. Jensen says:
“We can honor our word in two ways: by keeping it or by taking responsibility when we can’t—and cleaning up the mess.”
How to Lead with Integrity Every Day
Say what you mean, and mean what you say–Avoid over-promising or people-pleasing just to keep the peace.
Be accountable–If you’re late, unprepared, or out of alignment, own it, and correct it.
Make integrity a muscle–Like leadership, it’s a daily practice.
Zen teacher Cheri Huber reminds us:
“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Imagine a world where more leaders are led with heart-centered integrity. It starts with us.
How do YOU practice integrity in leadership? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
INTEGRITY: It Starts With “I” – The Ultimate Leadership Strength
