Tag Integrity

Why Integrity Is Crucial to Effective Leadership

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I have written about this topic so many times it almost feels like I’m addicted to it. I keep writing about it because so many crappy, unethical people in leadership positions tell me it’s not that big of a deal. They are completely, utterly, often fatally wrong.

As wrong as wrong can be.

Of the many characteristics of authentic, effective leadership, integrity stands above them all. The fact is that absent integrity, there can be no true leadership. You can have a fancy title, a high-level position, and the nice corner office, but if you don’t have integrity, then you don’t have the number one requirement to authentically, effectively lead.

Integrity is a cornerstone of effective leadership because it builds trust, credibility, and respect—three things no leader, no true leader, can succeed without. When a leader consistently acts with honesty, keeps their word, and aligns their actions with their stated values, people know what to expect. That predictability creates a sense of security and reliability, which is critical for people and teams to function well, especially under pressure.

Without integrity, a leader’s words lose weight. If they say one thing but do another, or bend the truth for convenience, their people start to question their motives. Doubt creeps in, and loyalty erodes. A team that doesn’t trust its leader won’t fully commit—why would they if they can’t count on ethical treatment or clear direction? Over time, that lack of trust tanks morale and productivity.

Integrity also sets the tone for everyone else. Leaders are watched closely; their behavior signals what is acceptable. If they cut corners or dodge accountability, it trickles down—soon you have got a culture where no one owns their mistakes. But when a leader owns up, admits flaws, and sticks to principles even when it is hard, it inspires and encourages others to do the same.

That’s how you get a team that’s not just effective but resilient.

Research backs this up too—studies like those from the Center for Creative Leadership show that trust in leadership drives engagement and performance. And trust hinges on integrity more than charisma or even competence.

A leader can be brilliant, but if they’re shady, people won’t follow for long. Real-world examples prove this out: think of someone like Nelson Mandela, whose moral consistency turned skeptics into allies, versus leaders who’ve tanked organizations by prioritizing self-interest over principle.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. People forgive missteps if they see genuine intent. But once integrity is gone, it’s a hell of a lot harder to win back than it was to lose. That’s why it’s non-negotiable for anyone trying to lead effectively.

I’ve seen so many people in leadership positions convince themselves that they could “get away” with cutting corners on ethics and integrity. That it was necessary “this one time.” And then the next time and the next.

They were wrong every single time. They negatively impacted their people, their organizations, and themselves. Some of them eventually figured out where they went wrong; some of them never did.

If you’re tempted to try and convince yourself that integrity is optional, or you’ve already succeeded in fooling yourself that it is, then you should know that failure is in your future. It’s only a matter of time.

So let me say this again: integrity is crucial to effective leadership. It always has been, and no matter what else changes in the world around us, it always will be.

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Why Integrity Matters

Steve Keating 2 Comments

I had a disturbing conversation recently with someone who is very proud of their integrity and reputation. Actually the conversation was disturbing precisely because they claimed to be so proud of their integrity and the credibility that came with in.

We were discussing a sales opportunities. This person had several “ideas” on what they could do to “tip the scales” in their favor. I pointed out that most of the ideas crossed the line into unethical territory. Some were even borderline illegal. He said sometimes you need to “set integrity and ethics aside” in order to make a sale. He said it’s all part of business. He said setting aside integrity for the sake of business does not make a person unethical.

I immediately cut off the conversation and said setting aside ethics proves, without a doubt, that you are unethical. Period. End of story. You are either ethical all the time or you are not ethical.

With all due respect to my friends and colleagues who have written books entitled “Situational Integrity,” “Workplace Ethics” or any such malarkey, you’re just not thinking clearly on this. There cannot be one set of ethics from 9 to 5 in the office and then another set of ethics for the evening or weekend. Because, you are either ethical all the time, all the time, as in every minute of every day, or you are not ethical at all.

Integrity and ethics are fundamental principles that matter in both business and life for a variety of reasons. First, they serve as the moral compass that guides our decisions and actions. Second, they ensure that we behave responsibly and honestly. There are no circumstances where integrity and ethics don’t matter. Here’s why:

• Integrity and ethics build trust, which is a cornerstone of any successful personal or business relationship. When people know they can rely on your word and actions, they are more likely to trust and respect you. Trust is also essential in business as it leads to customer loyalty and a positive reputation in the marketplace.

• Ethical behavior promotes long-term success. Unethical decisions might provide short-term gains, but they often lead to negative consequences in the future. By conducting business with integrity, you create a sustainable foundation for growth and stability.

• Many laws and regulations exist to enforce ethical standards in business. Failing to adhere to these standards can result in legal consequences, fines, and damage to your reputation. By maintaining high ethical standards, you reduce the risk of legal troubles and associated costs.

• Ethical business practices foster a positive work environment. When employees know that their organization values integrity and ethics, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and lower turnover rates.

• Customers are more likely to support and remain loyal to businesses that operate ethically. When they perceive a company as honest and transparent, they are more willing to make repeat purchases. They are also more likely to recommend the business to others.

• In a competitive marketplace, ethical behavior can be a significant differentiator. Businesses that consistently operate with integrity can stand out from the competition. They attract customers who prioritize ethical considerations.

• Ethical businesses often engage in socially responsible practices. Things such as environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, and community engagement. These actions contribute to the betterment of society and enhance a company’s image.

• In life, practicing integrity and ethics brings personal fulfillment and a sense of self-worth. Living by your values and principles can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

• Whether in business or life, ethical behavior fosters positive relationships. It helps you build strong, lasting connections with others based on trust and respect.

Possessing integrity and being ethical make for good business. They also make for a great life. They help shape a positive and sustainable future for individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. If you’re willing to trade your commitment to integrity and ethics for a short-term personal gain then you’ve made yourself one horrible trade.

Want more of LeadToday? I’ve changed things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. I recently began publishing two or three videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Sometimes a bonus video pops up at other times during the week. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $4.99 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month.

If you’re interested in taking a look, head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success.

Here’s the link to my Twitter… https://twitter.com/leadtoday

How to Lead and How Not to Lead – another post in that periodic series 

Steve Keating Leave a comment

As usual, let’s talk about the how not to lead first…

Leadership without integrity is an impossibility. So if your goal is to NOT be mistaken for a leader then don’t worry about saying one thing and doing another. Things change. You also have the right to change your mind any time you want to. For any reason you want to. It’s nobody’s business but your own. 

As someone in a leadership position you owe no one an explanation for saying one thing and doing another. If someone doesn’t like it that’s their problem, not yours. People who you are supposed to be leading should learn your word is worthless. They should just fall in line and go with the flow.  

Everybody knows that sometimes keeping your commitments is impossible and people need to be adaptable. Honoring commitments is so old fashioned that it’s hysterical anyone still expects it. People who expect you to actually lead need to get a clue! 

Trying to explain your decisions or thought process to the people you are supposed to be leading makes you look weak. It makes you look foolish. Worse yet, it makes you look like someone who might care about what your people think of you. 

Never forget, the people you boss around are the “little people” and there is no point in trying to explain your big thoughts to the likes of them. 

Of course, there is also the possibility that you actually DO want to lead. In that case you may want to do things a little differently. 

Things do indeed change and when they do you should be the first one to acknowledge it. You MUST alert people the instant you become aware of the change. Delaying only casts doubt on your credibility. You need to explain why the change is taking place and how it will affect your people. 

If you can’t honor your commitments, you need to apologize. That apology is not a sign of weakness. It is exactly the opposite. It is a sign of strength. It is a sign of your authenticity as a leader. You should also explain why you can’t honor that particular commitment and reaffirm the importance of your overall commitment to the people you lead. 

Failure to do any of that will result in a lack of respect and loyalty. It will also destroy your trust producing credibility. It erases your integrity. 

Authentic Leaders know that absent credibility, trust, and integrity, there can be no true followership. And without followers you are not a leader, no matter what your position and title says. 

On a another note… Everyone can use a “nudge” towards success. I’m trying something new on Twitter. It’s called “Super Followers.” For $5 a month, that’s 17 cents a day, people can follow a part of my Twitter stream that is for subscribers only. It features short videos of me discussing leadership topics, sales tips and ideas for better overall relationships. I’m assuming there will be far fewer Super Followers than the million or so people who regularly follow me on Twitter. That will give me the opportunity to answer questions more throughly than I can on regular Twitter. Most of the answers will come in the evening cause we all have day jobs, right? Think of it as ”mentoring on demand!”

My goal with SuperFollowers is to build a better connection, one where I can help more and have a greater impact. I’m hoping it gives me a chance to mentor to a wider audience. It’s still new, we’ll see how it works. It’s a $5 dollar investment that may be the extra “push” you need to get to where you want to be. I’d be honored to be able to help get you there. 

You can find more information by clicking the Super Follow button on my Twitter profile page IN THE TWITTER APP. http://twitter.com/leadtoday Give it a try if you’re so inclined, and if you are, be sure to let me know how I’m doing and how I can be of even more help.

How Trust is Really Built

Steve Keating 1 Comment

I’m not sure why but I’ve seen a ton of blog posts and various articles lately about building trust. Most of them are about particular words you either should or shouldn’t use if you want to build trust. 

Some of them talk about tone of voice or making eye contact when you want someone to know you’re being particularly truthful. I love that word combo “particularly truthful.”

Imagine someone writing about building trust and in the article seeming to indicate that sometimes you’re more truthful than others. When you want to convince someone you can be trusted then you should be “particularly truthful.” They don’t explain what you should be the rest of the time so I’m left to wonder about it. 

What surprises me about every single article and post I’ve read the last few weeks on building trust, and there have been many of them, is that not a single one of them talked about being trustworthy. The talk about using “trustable” words and phrases. A few even talked about behaving in a certain way to convince people you can be trusted. 

But not one said to build trust by actually being trustworthy. 

To me being trustworthy is saying exactly what you mean and doing exactly what you say. All the time. It’s about honoring your commitments, every commitment. All the time. 

When your words match your actions, even if not everyone agrees with them, you will be trusted. 

If you’re forced to use certain words for people to trust you then I’d have to say it’s possible you’re not trustworthy. If you have to behave in any other way than being your normal self then it’s very possible that people shouldn’t really trust you. 

If you want to be trusted then don’t say yes when you know your actions are going to show you meant no. Don’t commit to doing something today when you know darn well it’s unlikely you’re going to be able to do it today. 

Trust isn’t built on what we say, it’s built on what we do. There’s no need to read a bunch of articles on how to be trusted. All you need to do is be trustworthy. 

One other thing, if you’re wondering how you can tell if someone else can be trusted there is only one sure way to know. Trust them, they will quickly show you if your trust is deserved or not. 

On a another subject…I’m trying something new over on Twitter. It’s called “Super Followers.” For $5 a month, that’s 17 cents a day, people can follow a part of my Twitter stream that is for subscribers only. It features short videos of me discussing leadership topics, sales tips and ideas for better overall relationships. I’m assuming there will be far fewer Super Followers than regular Twitter followers. That will give me the opportunity to answer questions more throughly than I can on regular Twitter. Most of the answers will come in the evening cause we all have day jobs, right? Think of it as ”mentoring on demand!”

My goal with SuperFollowers is to build a better connection, one where I can perhaps help more and have a greater impact. I’m hoping it gives me a chance to mentor to a wider audience. It’s still new, we’ll see how it works. It’s a $5 dollar investment that may just be the extra “push” you need to get to where you want to be. I’d be honored to be able to help get you there. 

You can find more information by clicking the Super Follow button on my Twitter profile page IN THE TWITTER APP. http://twitter.com/leadtoday Give it a try if you’re so inclined, and if you are, be sure to let me know how I’m doing and how I can be of even more help. 

Leading With Integrity

Steve Keating 4 Comments

So let’s get this out of the way right up front. If you’re not leading with integrity then you’re simply not leading.

You’re not leading because leading requires that someone is following you. A true follower will have some level of commitment to their leader. People can be forced to comply with someone in a leadership position but they cannot be forced to commit.

In fact, they cannot commit. It is not possible for one human being to truly commit to another human being that they do not trust. Integrity is the foundation upon which trust is built. Where there is no integrity there can be no trust.

Having integrity is a choice. It’s a choice to do what you said you would do, even if you no longer feel like doing it. You may have never thought of it like this but you have an “Integrity Bank.” Every time you do exactly what you committed to do you’ll receive a small deposit into that Credibility Bank. When you fail to honor a commitment, any commitment, you suffer a substantial withdrawal from your Credibility Bank.

That may not seem fair but that’s the way it works. You don’t need to have too many withdrawals to reach a zero balance in your bank. That means zero credibility and that means zero committed followers.

Authentic Leaders know that their most valuable “currency” is their credibility. They know that without it that can not have a positive influence on those they hope to lead. So they honor their commitments. They follow through. They keep their word. They don’t say yes when they need to say no.

Their people know that they can trust their leader. Their people know that their leader is committed to them so they can commit to their leader.

Every committed relationship is built on a foundation of integrity. It’s the single most important foundation in any relationship. What Authentic Leaders understand that many lesser leaders don’t is this one irrefutable fact….you either have integrity 100% of the time or you do not have integrity.

Integrity is a full-time gig. It’s not something you do at work. It’s not something you do at home. It’s not something you do with people who matter to you. It’s just something you do because it’s who you are. It’s part of your DNA.

Or it’s not. The great thing is that it’s a part of your DNA that you get to control. The only question is, will you choose to control it.

How Matters

Steve Keating 2 Comments

I like to win! I enjoy success. I also know there are things more important than always winning and always succeeding. 

 

For me, and I know some will call me naive because of this, but for me how you win is just as important as winning itself. Success at the expense of your integrity isn’t really success at all. Now before you ask me to define success let me say that the definition of success is a very personal thing. But no matter your own definition of success if you cheated, lied or stole your way to it then your “success” is nothing to be proud of. 

 

No where in the Bible does it say that money is evil. What it does say is that the love of money is the root of all evil. Loving money, or the success the comes with it, at the expense of anything or anyone cannot be true success.

 

In the hit 1987 movie Wall Street, the character Gordon Gekko made a speech where he said “Greed is Good.” The line became famous but too many people apparently forgot that they were watching a movie. They believed the line as if it were straight out of scripture. 

 

It was frankly a line that many people wanted to believe. It allowed them to balance unethical behavior with the “fact” that greed was good. 

 

Well let’s set the record straight. Greed is not good. Unethical behavior is not good. Trading your integrity for the appearance of success is not good. Winning at all cost is not winning at all. 

 

Winston Churchill once said that “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

 

If you truly want success then don’t try to balance how much of your integrity you’re willing to sacrifice to have it. Instead balance what you get with what you give. Don’t just work to make a living, work to make a life. 

 

I’ll never forget what my 7th grade teacher once told me. His name was Cyril Paul. 7th grade was a while ago for me and I don’t remember many, if any, of my teachers who came before or after him. To say he was an impactful teacher would be an understatement. What he told me was that “what” I did with my life would be of little consequence when compared with “how” I did it. 

 

The fact is that too many times in my life I have forgotten those words. The result has never been anything to make me proud of myself. But I always eventually come home to those words to get myself back in balance. 

 

I’m afraid too many of our world “leaders” either never had those words spoken to them or they have completely forgotten them. 

 

“How” matters. It matters in everything you say and do in your life. 

 

Be a person of integrity. If your leaders are “win at all cost” kind of leaders then lead up and hold them accountable for “how” they achieve their success. Whether they are leaders in your company, your church or your government make sure you hold them to very high standards. 


Always remember “how” matters for you as well so hold yourself to those very high standards too.

Are you a Trusted Leader?

Steve Keating 2 Comments

Emerson said, “Every great institution is the lengthened shadow of a single man. Their character determines the character of the organization.” (today we would say “person” instead of man but the point remains the same) 

 

So how would you answer the following two questions? Are you the person in your organization that Emerson was talking about? If you are then is your integrity always above reproach? By the way, I should probably point out that you either have integrity all the time or you don’t have integrity at any time. Integrity is not a part time job.

     

If your integrity is indeed above reproach then you have the opportunity to lead others, really lead. Maybe before you answer those two questions you should consider a little research: Only 45% of 400 managers in a Carnegie-Mellon survey believed their top management was always truthful; a third distrusted their immediate bosses. Current research says that 85% of employees across all businesses and industries are actually demotivated by their “leader.” 

 

What does that survey have to do with you?  Maybe nothing, but maybe, just maybe, you could consider it a wake-up call. A call telling you that you must be especially diligent in making certain that you live by the high standards that you expect from those who you hope to lead. Perhaps the survey results can serve to remind you that you have to work every day to earn the trust and respect of your people. You should never lose awareness that your people are always watching to see if your words match your actions. 

     

Consider as well this fact: Integrity results in a solid reputation, not just an image! Before you answer the questions above, ask yourself these questions: Are you the same person no matter who you are with? Do you make decisions that are best for others when another choice would benefit you? Are you quick to recognize others for their efforts and contributions to your success? (In writing?) 

     

You see, image is what people think you are, integrity is what, and who, you really are. Asking yourself these three questions can help keep you on track and ensure that your image reflects who you truly are.

     

Here is one reason integrity is so important for a leader: Integrity has high influence value, if you have the ability to influence others than your ability to lead is unlimited. Integrity helps a leader be credible, not just clever. Effective leadership is not based on being clever; it is based on being consistent. No one can fool all of the people of all of the time, insincerity can’t be covered up. Leaders who are sincere don’t have to advertise the fact.

   

Integrity is a hard-won achievement, it takes a long time to establish it with your team and you never fully complete the task. Your team expects four things from you on a consistent basis: honesty, competence, vision and inspiration. Those areas all impact your integrity. 

     

Ask something who knows you well what areas of your life they see as consistent (you do what you say) and what areas they see as inconsistent (you say but don’t always live.) If you don’t like their answer remember, you can change, you can become the leader you want to be, but also remember, you will only become what you are becoming right now.

    

So, now it’s time. Go ahead, answer the two questions in the first paragraph and then do whatever it takes to be certain your answer is always, always, yes.