How to Lead With Integrity
Examine your moral principles., Assess the degree to which you adhere to your own moral code., Establish a code of values and behaviors for your group members., Lead by example., Create an atmosphere of open communication., Praise group members for...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Examine your moral principles.
People are raised with or exposed to specific principles regarding right and wrong.
These influences may stem from a specific religious upbringing, philosophical beliefs or general observations about the types of behaviors that accelerate progress and development in society. -
Step 2: Assess the degree to which you adhere to your own moral code.
For example, a person might value truthfulness, but withhold important information when truth telling may interfere with being hired or promoted.
To manifest integrity, behaviors must be aligned with moral beliefs. , Whether you are leading a sports team, managing a group of engineers or parenting children, leading with integrity requires outlining a standard of behavior by which others can abide. , Adhere at all times to the behavioral standard you have established for the group. , Communicate authentically.
Be open with group members regarding issues and policies that affect them.
Keeping secrets or hiding important information can lead to an environment of mistrust.
Listen attentively to others.
Open communication involves the exchange of information.
Leading with integrity requires hearing what others have to say and creating an environment that fosters open sharing.
Practice tolerance for divergent views.
Group members will inevitably have different opinions and thoughts, and may not always agree with you or your decisions.
Allow them to hold their opinions without fearing ridicule or rejection. , Gain the trust of group members by acknowledging their contributions. , It will be difficult, if not impossible, to practice integrity in a position in which you are pressured by upper management to conceal important facts or engage in immoral or illegal activities. , Some environments lack integrity due to inattention to the company's moral code or values.
Suggest to upper management to increase attention to integrity issues by offering mandatory classes or holding relevant discussions in company meetings. , This may mean that you change jobs, limit time spent with certain colleagues or make a special effort to hire honest and trustworthy employees. , Gain inspiration by learning about leaders who delivered difficult news, chose honesty over financial gain or refused to take credit for other people's work. , Study the various examples of business and political leaders who sacrificed their integrity and succumbed to desires for wealth, power or fame.
Consider the same scenarios for yourself.
Decide how you would have behaved or reacted in each case. -
Step 3: Establish a code of values and behaviors for your group members.
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Step 4: Lead by example.
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Step 5: Create an atmosphere of open communication.
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Step 6: Praise group members for high quality performances.
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Step 7: Choose leadership positions that allow you to lead with integrity.
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Step 8: Speak to your superiors about integrity issues.
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Step 9: Surround yourself with morally upright people.
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Step 10: Study the lives of leaders known for their integrity.
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Step 11: Examine the mistakes of fallen leaders.
Detailed Guide
People are raised with or exposed to specific principles regarding right and wrong.
These influences may stem from a specific religious upbringing, philosophical beliefs or general observations about the types of behaviors that accelerate progress and development in society.
For example, a person might value truthfulness, but withhold important information when truth telling may interfere with being hired or promoted.
To manifest integrity, behaviors must be aligned with moral beliefs. , Whether you are leading a sports team, managing a group of engineers or parenting children, leading with integrity requires outlining a standard of behavior by which others can abide. , Adhere at all times to the behavioral standard you have established for the group. , Communicate authentically.
Be open with group members regarding issues and policies that affect them.
Keeping secrets or hiding important information can lead to an environment of mistrust.
Listen attentively to others.
Open communication involves the exchange of information.
Leading with integrity requires hearing what others have to say and creating an environment that fosters open sharing.
Practice tolerance for divergent views.
Group members will inevitably have different opinions and thoughts, and may not always agree with you or your decisions.
Allow them to hold their opinions without fearing ridicule or rejection. , Gain the trust of group members by acknowledging their contributions. , It will be difficult, if not impossible, to practice integrity in a position in which you are pressured by upper management to conceal important facts or engage in immoral or illegal activities. , Some environments lack integrity due to inattention to the company's moral code or values.
Suggest to upper management to increase attention to integrity issues by offering mandatory classes or holding relevant discussions in company meetings. , This may mean that you change jobs, limit time spent with certain colleagues or make a special effort to hire honest and trustworthy employees. , Gain inspiration by learning about leaders who delivered difficult news, chose honesty over financial gain or refused to take credit for other people's work. , Study the various examples of business and political leaders who sacrificed their integrity and succumbed to desires for wealth, power or fame.
Consider the same scenarios for yourself.
Decide how you would have behaved or reacted in each case.
About the Author
Deborah Ferguson
Specializes in breaking down complex creative arts topics into simple steps.
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