How To Foster Integrity As A Core Value In Your Leadership Style
Integrity is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It embodies honesty, trustworthiness, and moral uprightness, regardless of the short-term financial implications. Leaders who prioritize integrity cultivate a culture of transparency and trust with their teams, laying the foundation for sustained organizational success.
Many leaders say they want to lead with integrity. But it’s one thing to call yourself an integrity-driven leader; it’s another to actually be one. Just 36% of US-based employees have confidence that their employer would do what is right if they raised a concern about ethics and integrity, according to a recent Gallup survey. Leaders who truly want to cultivate integrity as a core value in their leadership style must lead by example, build a culture of accountability, and prioritize open communication. Here’s a closer look at how you can achieve this.
Set The Example At The Top
The most powerful way to instill integrity in your leadership style is to model it consistently. “A leader’s actions speak louder than words. Your team is always looking to you for cues on how to behave, especially in challenging situations. Demonstrate integrity in every decision you make, whether big or small. This includes being honest about mistakes, giving credit where it's due, and treating everyone with respect,” says Moe Rock, CEO of the Los Angeles Tribune and author of The Moral Compass.
For instance, if a project doesn't meet expectations, own up to any shortcomings and work collaboratively to find solutions. In addition to building trust, this openness shows your team that it’s okay to acknowledge and learn from mistakes. By exemplifying integrity, you set a standard for your team to follow, creating a ripple effect throughout the organization. “A leader’s actions are indeed central to integrity, but followers and stakeholders are those who assess this integrity on a daily basis. Although each individual judges a leader’s integrity differently, there is consensus regarding some of the criteria through which they screen their superiors,” says Kathryn Christie, citing laws, codes of conduct and ethical standards, and informal norms and values expected by stakeholders as a few significant ways leadership integrity is assessed.
Build A Culture Of Accountability
“You can’t expect others to act with integrity if you don’t own up to your mistakes. To foster a culture of accountability, establish clear expectations and hold everyone accountable for their actions, including yourself. This means setting transparent goals, providing regular feedback, and implementing fair consequences for unethical behavior,” says Rock.
Creating systems that encourage accountability, including real-time performance reviews, peer evaluations, and transparent reporting mechanisms, can help maintain high standards. “As a leader, you should encourage your team to take ownership of their work and be responsible for their actions. Ensuring everyone understands that they are accountable fosters a culture where integrity is valued and upheld,” Rock advises.
Prioritize Open Communication
Integrity thrives when communication channels are open. Encourage your team to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas without fear of retaliation. This openness promotes trust and allows for the early identification and resolution of potential issues. “You need to create a culture that isn’t afraid to have people raise ethical questions, that welcomes bad news, and that celebrates employees who speak out about problems,” says Robert Chestnut for the Harvard Business Review.
Regularly engage with your team through meetings, surveys, and one-on-one conversations. “It’s not enough to ask employees to report unethical behavior. You need to actively listen to their feedback and demonstrate that you value their input by making necessary changes. Transparent communication about the company’s goals, challenges, and successes further reinforces a culture of integrity. When your team feels heard and informed, they are more likely to act with honesty and integrity,” says Rock.
Emphasize Ethical Decision-Making
Integrate ethical considerations into your decision-making processes. This involves looking beyond what is most profitable or convenient to what is right and fair. “When you’re faced with tough choices, which you will be if you’re in a leadership position, weigh the potential impact on all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the community. Work with your leadership team to develop a code of ethics outlining expected standards of behavior. Ensure that these guidelines are communicated clearly and integrated into training programs. Openly prioritizing ethics signals to your team that integrity is non-negotiable,” says Rock.
Integrity is the bedrock of effective leadership and organizational success. Without integrity, leaders and their organizations put themselves at risk for litigation, public retribution, and sinking profits. Integrating it into your leadership practices will yield lasting benefits for your team and your organization.