Integrity of a Leader

According to John Maxwell’s book “Developing The Leader Within You,” Integrity is the most important ingredient of leadership.  He states, “when I have integrity, my words and my deeds match up. I am who I am, no matter where I am or who I am with.”  An individual in a leadership position can execute the principles of integrity to their employees by arriving to work on time if they expect their employees to arrive on time.  If they demonstrate a positive attitude toward their employees, most of the employees will exhibit the same attributes.  “The more credible you are, the more confidence people place in you, thereby allowing you the privilege of influencing their lives.” 

Maxwell lists seven reasons why integrity is so important.  The first reason is that integrity builds trust.  This is evident when a leader can influence their employees to trust them.  The second reason is Integrity has high influence value.  “People’s minds are changed through observation.”  The third reason is that Integrity facilitates high standards.  “Leaders must live by higher standards than their followers. “  The fourth reason is that Integrity results in solid reputation, not just an image.   Image is the outward appearance that others see. Integrity is the person we are on the inside. The fifth reason is Integrity means living it myself before leading others.  Quite simply put practice what you preach.   The sixth reason is Integrity helps a leader be credible, not just clever.  “People of Integrity expect to be believed. They also know time will prove them right and are willing to wait.” The final reason is that Integrity is a hard-won achievement.  A leader that possesses Integrity demonstrates self-discipline, inner trust, and honesty. 

When a leader has Integrity there is no confusion amongst their peers as to who they are and what they stand for.  “People with Integrity are whole people.” This type of leader possesses values in which they live their life by.  As individuals in leadership positions it is important to have integrity.  A leader will be far more successful in achieving their goals and excel in their area of expertise, when they exhibit integrity.