Blog Posts

By Dr. Scott.

Happy Wednesday everyone and welcome to another MSPD Wednesday Leadership Blog.  If you’ve been following along, you will know that we just finished up a two month, seven-part series focusing on visionary leadership with the final piece in the series Seeing out the Vision. I invite everyone who may be new to this blog to check out the full series beginning with the 6 Characteristics of Visionary Leaders.

As I prepared material for this week and as I explored different topics that might become the fulcrum for this week’s piece, I found myself returning to the concept of integrity in leadership.   Integrity can be described and defined in many ways, but my personal favorite is “doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”  We may describe someone with integrity as ethical, respectful, honest, reliable, trustworthy, and dependable.  Other descriptions and examples we find focus on how integrity involves consistently aligning one’s behavior with one’s values.

When we read back through the above definitions and descriptors of integrity, it becomes pretty easy to see how central integrity is to effective leadership.  For example, when tasked with defining effective leadership, we use similar terms, such as honest, reliable, trustworthy, and dependable.   And, integrity is usually listed as a core value of effective leadership.

However, integrity and leadership are, unfortunately, not always interdependent.  Though, I hope it goes without saying that we prefer it when the leaders we follow, lead with integrity.  To emphasize, or, if necessary, even argue for a focus on integrity in leadership, then, we’ll focus on three key reasons for leading with integrity: to build stronger relationships, to lay foundations for long term success, both personally and professionally, and to experience satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

Builds Strong Relationships

Like most things relating to leadership, both integrity and the emotional intelligence required to live a life of integrity are skills that can be learned.  Living and leading with integrity doesn’t mean we will achieve the status of the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, or even Warren Buffett in business.  However, by practicing honesty, admitting mistakes, being reliable and consistent, and striving to be trustworthy and dependable, we positively impact those around us and build stronger relationships.  This in turn improves organizational and team cultures, inspires team members to improve in these skills as well, and lays foundations for strong relationships with family, friends, coworkers, suppliers, and even customers and other stakeholders.  For example, I’ve yet to come across anyone who is an outspoken critic of Warren Buffett and the Oracle of Omaha is well known for his emotional intelligence and integrity. 

Foundations for Long Term Success

Leading and living with integrity also paves the way for both personal and professional long-term success.  When we establish ourselves and our reputation on values of integrity, we build strong relationships and networks that can support us through the ups and downs of life and career.  Entrepreneurs and visionary leaders are dependent on the dedicated team members and followers that can help them realize their vision and business goals.  Though, AI applications are beginning to disrupt this reality somewhat.  Even still, long term success, happiness, and contentment are often built on relationships rather than other intangibles. 

Personal Fulfillment

That brings us to personal fulfillment.  Leadership is about influencing others.  Positively influencing others and impacting their personal and professional growth is one of the most rewarding elements of leadership.  As is seeing those you lead succeed.  The personal fulfillment we, as leaders, feel from these achievements is rewarding and makes for positive memories and long-lasting friendships.

The same can be said regarding living and leading with integrity.  Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking can make us feel similar fulfillment.  Especially when those actions positively impact others.  As leaders, our words and our actions do actually “speak volumes.”  Integrity earns respect, builds friendships, and leads to personal fulfillment.

Final Thoughts

In this blog, we’ve highlighted some similarities between and inter-connectedness of effective leadership and leading with integrity.  We looked at three of key benefits from living and leading with integrity including building strong relationships, enjoying long-term success, and personal fulfillment.

You’re reading the Madison School of Professional Development Wednesday Leadership Blog where we highlight leadership best practices each week.  Check out more from this blog and other blogs hosted by MEG.

If you have a topic that you would like to see me pontificate on, drop me an email at info@meg-spd.com.

Dr. Scott Eidson is the Executive Vice President of the Madison School of Professional Development and holds doctoral degrees in both history and business.  When not thinking about leadership, he’s usually thinking about surfing or old Volkswagens.