What Is Integrity in Leadership?
Leaders with integrity can have a lasting impression on an organization, its employees, and the customers who buy a company's products or services. They also help set a positive tone within a company by acting according to its values. If you work in a management role, knowing the traits associated with integrity and understanding how to translate these traits into action, can help build your reputation and earn respect from colleagues. In this article, we discuss why integrity in leadership is important, describe the leadership traits that people admire, and discover tips on gaining trust as a leader.
Why is integrity in leadership important?
Integrity in leadership means having strong moral principles, standing by your words, and doing the right thing. It's a highly valued trait since most employees look to their leader for cues on how to act. A leader that demonstrates the company values in their actions helps set expectations for acceptable behaviour. Demonstrating high ethical standards of conduct also promotes a positive work culture that motivates employees to do their best and increases their loyalty to the company.
Leading with integrity can also improve a company's brand reputation. An organization with a management team committed to high ethical standards sets the tone for how a company operates and communicates with customers. This can result in loyal customers, which may lead to increased profits. If a company's brand becomes associated with ethical leadership, it can also positively influence the community it serves.
What qualities do leaders with integrity demonstrate?
The concept of integrity includes a complex set of traits. A leader with integrity typically demonstrates the following qualities:
Clear principles
Leaders with integrity demonstrate a clear set of beliefs that guide their actions and decision-making. These principles can develop early in a leader's career or as part of a person's upbringing. Having a clear set of principles that are apparent to everyone helps your colleagues know your position on an issue and anticipate your reaction to a situation.
Consistent beliefs
In a challenging situation, a leader with integrity remains committed to their beliefs. Standing by these beliefs can guide a leader in their decision-making to help their team towards a course of action. A leader who stays consistent in their beliefs gives employees confidence in their decision, which leads to stability within an organization.
Trustworthy
A trustworthy leader does what they say they're going to do. They've shown their desire to seek input from others to make more informed decisions. Colleagues have confidence in their judgement and ability to be truthful about a situation.
Trustworthy managers also extend their trust to the people they lead. They demonstrate confidence in their team's capabilities and support them in their efforts. This trust encourages employees to do their best work.
Honest
Leaders with integrity tell the truth despite the consequences. Honesty helps prevent smaller problems from becoming a detriment to an organization. For example, a company may announce a product launch date but then delay the launch due to issues discovered during product testing. If the company communicates this rather than releasing a defective product, customers are more likely to accept the reasons for the delay. The company can build a stronger brand reputation with its customers by being truthful.
Being honest also helps earn the trust of others in the organization you work for. This can be important in building relationships with your team members. Being truthful shows that you respect the other person, which can improve your future working relationships.
Lead by example
After a leader communicates their values, there is an expectation for them to act according to these standards. This can be important when a manager confronts a situation that has conflicting priorities. For example, an executive may discover that one source of revenue for the company results from unethical business practices. Operating with integrity means that they may decide to find another source of revenue that reflects the company's values.
Leading by example also makes it easier for others to understand a manager's course of action. It can also mean that a leader takes action even if there's no recognition for their efforts. They're guided by their internal desire to do the right thing.
Accountability
Leaders that hold themselves accountable for their actions can earn their colleagues' respect. They demonstrate their ability to correct the course of action by admitting to their mistakes. This also demonstrates their ongoing commitment to their core set of beliefs. Being accountable also encourages other employees to take responsibility for their mistakes without fear of retribution.
Value relationships
Managers with integrity also see value in cultivating relationships built on trust and respect. Such a leader takes the time to listen to concerns and understand different perspectives. They consider the impact on other people when deciding on a course of action. An effective leader understands the value of seeking the advice of others to help resolve an issue.
A leader with integrity shows respect to all employees regardless of their level within the organization. They recognize the value of everyone's contributions and hold their team members accountable for how they treat others. This trait can have a powerful impact on employees and sets a standard of behaviour within the organization.
Supportive
Good leaders recognize their team's accomplishments and support them through challenging times. For example, if an organization is experiencing high work volumes, a manager looks for ways to assist the team in achieving their goals. A leader with integrity provides direction and then steps aside, trusting the team to carry out their duties.
Open to feedback
Listening to others is crucial as a leader, even if the information is critical of your style or action. You may not always see where the challenges are coming from. The ability to listen and accept criticism demonstrates your respect for the opinion of others. It also shows that you're confident and continuously looking to improve.
Tips to demonstrate integrity in leadership
If you're a new manager, you can take the following steps to build your reputation as a leader with integrity:
Understand your values
While you may instinctively know your beliefs and what's important to you, identifying your values can help you communicate them to others and guide your decisions. Prioritizing your values can also help you when facing a difficult situation with conflicting goals. Having a clear set of values can assist others in understanding who you are and earn their respect.
Understand the company's values
As a leader, your team members look to you for guidance on how to act. By understanding the company's values, you can reiterate them to your team and set the standard for the company's desired behaviour. You can also help employees connect to these values daily through their work. This can demonstrate your commitment to helping the company meet their objectives.
Be decisive
Being decisive means that people can trust you to advise your team on the best course of action. When faced with a challenging situation, your colleagues may look to you for direction. The ability to make a quick decision shows your willingness to take responsibility for the team's actions. It also demonstrates the courage to make hard choices.
Encourage open communication
Expressing yourself honestly can help you connect with your team. Communicating openly about a challenging situation can help your team better understand it. Your team may also appreciate your ability to be transparent, especially during difficult times. Open and honest communication also means listening to the truth and accepting what others say without judgement.
Find a leader you admire
As you grow into your role as a manager, find a leader who demonstrates the level of integrity you would like to emulate. If possible, you can speak to them directly about their experiences. If the leader is well known, consider searching for biographies or other works that describe their traits in more detail.
Know how others perceive you
A leader with integrity wants to know how others perceive them. Understanding how others see you can help determine if adjusting your approach is necessary. This is important if you want to keep your team engaged and motivated. An anonymous survey can provide information on how you can better understand the needs of your team and improve your leadership.