Leadership Honesty & Integrity

We live in an era where many people look at integrity as an option, rather than a bedrock foundation stone.” Everyone knows right from wrong. Right? Wrong. People disagree about the definition of right and wrong all the time. Remember Enron? Yeah, thought so.

At Enron, the problem started at the top. Enron was an organization in which the executives surrounded themselves with “yes” men/women. Did the culture allow people to suggest alternatives or allow dissent? Probably not. Those employees were probably berated and criticized for not being “team players.” As employees, you’re told to be diligent, to follow through, to be “self-starters,” to have a good attitude, to be flexible and patient and dependable and loyal and respectful. You’re told there is no “I” in “team.” You’re told, “You should just be grateful you have a job.”

I was raised in the belief that honesty is the best policy. But in business, oftentimes that value is overlooked. But the lack of integrity, and honesty, can have a significant impact on business. From a customer standpoint, customers will simply not consider a company that shows any less than the highest level of integrity. That’s a direct impact to the bottom-line. What do you do when you create a reputation that is so ill that potential employees won’t consider working for you?

Let’s focus on the impact to the workforce. A leader must be truthful and honest when interacting with subordinates, as well as others in an organization. Honesty is the precursor to trust. Once a leader is perceived to be dishonest, he/she are also thought to be untrustworthy. The only types of individuals that would place trust in a dishonest person are those individuals that are dishonest. What some employers don’t seem to understand is that in the business world, honesty truly is the best policy. Even lying with the best possible intention can result in compromised credibility, questioned integrity, and negatively impacted business success with employees and clients alike. Avoid the counter-productivity of excuses, blame, not meeting commitments or keeping promises.

When you move into a leadership position, assume that people will think you are a little dishonest. In order to be seen as an honest individual, you will have to go out of your way to display honesty. People will not assume you are honest simply because you have never been caught lying. Trust is the essence of integrity. Without trust you cannot have integrity. In an organization, a leader that is not trusted by their subordinates in essence is not a true leader. He/she may be ambitious and competent, but without trust cannot have integrity and will fail as a leader.

Remember, credibility and integrity begins at the top with the organization leader.