One of the most critical qualities leaders say they must possess is integrity. When asking leaders what is important for great leadership, there isn’t a time that integrity doesn’t pop-up. It also doesn’t matter what type of job or industry that leaders work, integrity tops almost every list.
How would you define integrity? Here are two definitions:
- the quality of being honest and fair
- the state of being complete or whole
Most of us are more familiar with the first definition even though each of us may have a different understanding of what it means to be honest and fair. But being complete and whole is not something always considered to be connected to integrity. Let’s take a look at combining both descriptions and how we can lead with each.
Five signs you are leading with integrity:
1. YOU SHARE ALL THE INFORMATION
Although we may want to withhold certain information or share it at a later date, it is usually best to present all the facts initially. Think about how many times you jumped to the wrong conclusion because you were missing pieces of information that maybe a boss or client forgot or omitted to pass on. If there is data available and you are on the fence about sharing it, then err on the side of transparency and get it out there. Our teams and colleagues will appreciate our honesty. To formulate a complete and comprehensive deliverable, all the information is necessary.
[Tweet “Leaders with integrity don’t omit facts but share information completely.”]
2. YOU CONSIDER OTHER PEOPLE’S POINTS OF VIEW
If we are in habit of thinking: “It’s my way or the highway”, then forget about an honest relationship with others. We must be fair in recognizing different perspectives. The most powerful question to ask others to lead with integrity is: What are your thoughts? If we forget to ask, we will end up with an incomplete understanding of any situation.
3. YOU COMMUNICATE CLEARLY AND WITH RESPECT
Leaders recognize the importance of stating their needs in a clear and direct way while being respectful of the other person. To communicate with integrity:
- Listen with care to really understand the true message.
- Ask empowering questions that are not judgmental. Instead of asking: “Why do you have that opinion?” ask, “Could you walk me through how you arrived with your idea so I can understand?”
- Tell team members how much you value their contributions.
- Present your ideas as a beginning point of discussion, not as a final verdict.
4. YOU LOOK AT THE NEEDS OF THE ENTIRE TEAM
Teams are made up of individuals with different needs. While one member may see a decision as the best direction, another may view it as debilitating. When we lead with integrity we know it is critical to view how a change impacts both the individual members as well as the team as a whole. This may be very difficult if the needs are in conflict. It is essential to be honest about why a change is occurring and carefully explain why a new solution is necessary.
[Tweet “Leaders with integrity consider how a change impacts others, not just themselves.”]
5. YOU CULTIVATE A TEAM OF TRUST
To be a high performing team and produce great outcomes, there must be a strong foundation of trust. Trust is earned and that involves leaders doing what we say we are going to do and not be misleading. To develop a team of trust and lead with integrity:
- Get to know your team members’ strengths and interests.
- Offer meaningful work to enrich people’s careers.
- Avoid sarcasm and put-downs.
- Be approachable by opening your mind and heart.
What other signs have you noticed for leaders with integrity?
(Image credit: Pixabay)
For me, your first point is so critical. Even when it’s hard, and uncomfortable, and the last thing a leader wants to do they speak the truth anyway. Where it gets sticky is when team members are asking questions like “will there be downsizing?” The leader knows that there may be but doesn’t have all the facts yet. Worry the team or keep them focused? I do not believe that early information is always as helpful as we think. I’ve worked with many clients who have struggled with this and similar situations and because they are leaders with integrity, they have not wanted to lie (never a good idea) and did not always have the full picture to share and when they shared what they did know, the team still felt like they were holding back because of the lack of info… even when they weren’t. Sticky.
Great post to share and get people thinking about what it means to them to lead with integrity. You need to know your values and where you stand before the moment of crisis.
Alli
You make a some great points Alli about whether it is helpful to share partial information. It is always important to be truthful and roll out possibilities just so a team can begin to think of alternative choices. A leader can prepare a team without frightening them by helping them to keep an open mind. I have seen great leaders use their words carefully to be honest in what could be without causing panic. It is a balance.
Thanks for your insights Alli!
Excellent article Terri! Integrity is the #1 quality I look for in leadership so I totally appreciate this article! Have an awesome day my friend!
Thanks Cynthia! Integrity is critical for leadership and each of us must identify what that means to us. Once we know how integrity looks, we must allow it to guide each of our decisions and actions.
“Being complete and whole is not something always considered to be connected to integrity”….so true! And I love the way you wound this aspect of integrity into each of your points.
So many people are searching for perfection or integrity, when what they are really seeking is wholeness. We need to be whole before we can be perfect or have integrity…
Being whole is about living the leadership we believe reflects our best intentions which will lead to be a leader with integrity. There is no perfect but rather our values and north star that can guide us.
Thanks LaRae for your great additions as always!
Terri – I was cheering at your message and smiling and how our thoughts were related this week!
I love that you included the definition of integrity as being complete or whole. A whole leader – who walks their talk, a whole truth, a whole team that is listened to and considered and an organization that is whole because it is healthy. -YES!
I am glad I got you to smile Chery! I do love the idea of being a complete leader, modeling our core values and beliefs. When we can act and behave in a way that aligns with who we are and what we stand for, we are leading with integrity.
Thanks Chery!