LEADERSHIP STRATEGY: NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES
the cornerstone of sustained prosperity
Most leaders will tell you that he or she places integrity at the top of personal values. Given the widespread leadership failure that led to the Great Recession — how many of those leaders had integrity as a core value? An important question to ask yourself is, “How can I be assured that our integrity isn’t compromised?”
The loss of integrity is a silent leadership killer. Vigilance is key to remaining “in integrity.” Erosion of this value often happens slowly over time without much notice of violations by those who participate in questionable practices. Issues that
Greg Smith highlighted at Goldman Sachs in his resignation letter, published in The New York Times, are an example.
Groupthink is powerful: a little unethical conduct here, a white lie there — justification is available for every integrity-compromised action. Suddenly, someone realizes something is wrong, and it’s too late; the momentum has built like a leaky faucet until a drip becomes a stream that turns into a flood, drowning employees, customers and those who trusted your leadership.
How to avoid getting caught up in unethical or immoral conduct
- Know your values and refer to them often. Write them down and make them a visible reminder in your office. They are your foundation for staying in integrity.
- Trust your gut when it’s telling you something might be amiss. Ask people you trust what they think.
- Consider your priorities and ask what is important for you to do about a situation based on your values.
To stay in integrity when you, or someone in your organization is ready to act in a way that violates your sense of integrity, you must:
- Speak up with respect no matter how difficult it might be.
- Observe the reaction of those involved. Are they listening or defending their stance?
- Be willing to walk away. This could run the gamut from not participating to quitting your job. You can’t claim integrity if you stay in an organization that compromises that value?
Business is a powerful force and becoming even more so. When you take a stand against unethical or immoral action, you make the world a better place.
This post sponsored by a #1 international bestseller on”creating and preserving a values directed culture”, The “I” of the Hurricane: How to Generetate and Focus Corporate Energy