So, what does it take to be someone who leads with integrity?
Consciousness and choice.
Here are at least 6 things that people choose to do to be on a journey towards greater integrity:
1) Understands the true definition of integrity.
2) Intentionally reflects on what to say, how to behave, how to make decisions in a way that is reflective of his/her values and beliefs.
3) Is the same authentic person regardless of the situation. You can meet this leader with their family, friends, church, or at a boardroom, and you will see a consistency in behavior, actions, and words. You will recognize this person no matter what environment he/she is in.
4) Recognizes the impact that he/she has on others. This person is conscious of how his/her behavior and words impacts those around them intentionally and often times, unintentionally. So when this person behaves in a way that is out of integrity, he/she stops, acknowledges, apologizes, and corrects course. This requires humility, authenticity, and ‘others-centeredness’ as you need to ‘see’ how others are responding to you.
5) Actively focuses on the development of character and wholeness. This person spends time intentionally on this area through various areas, such as reading, getting coached, listening to the counsel of others, and reflecting on how to develop character.
6) Enrolls others to be on the same journey. This person aims to walk in integrity and as others see that, they are drawn to this. They can have confidence in this person with the belief that this person will do what he/she says and believes. They are able to inspire others to be on the same journey of lifelong pursuit of ‘wholeness’ and ultimately, INTEGRITY.
Of course it is extremely difficult to be in integrity 100% of the time. We aspire to be in integrity with what we believe but sometimes, we mess us. Sometimes, our emotions get the best of us and we are unable to intentionally manage our behavior and actions. Sometimes we don't give ourselves permission to be our true selves out of fear of what others may think or due to an inability to truly "integrate" the various parts of ourselves into ONE, complete WHOLE person. We are human after all. But what is important is that we strive to be who we want to be, who we are meant to be, and who we truly are.
When I see people who really have integrity, I recognize it. Don't you?