Integrity

Someone once said "If (leaders) are careless about basic things - telling the truth, respecting moral codes, proper professional conduct - who can believe them on other issues."

Integrity is the TOP attribute of a successful leader. People will not follow you if you don't have integrity, they want to know that you are honest, consistent with decisions, doing the fair thing for employees, etc. Everyone must play by the same rules. Being a leader may have certain privileges that may apply in some situations, but NEVER when it comes to integrity issues. One item is when you say something, you keep your promise. Advice to Leaders: When you make a promise, write them down and honor them!

I understand that nobody's perfect - we all make mistakes (reminds me of Queen's song "We are Champions", in the song talking about we are the champions states "About the mistakes, there has been a few"). When you make a mistake, admit it and address any impacts that they may have caused. It is how you react to your mistake is a true indication of your integrity.

Integrity can be summed up by doing the right thing no matter how inconvenient, unpopular, or painful it may be . . . some leaders take the easy road, don't rock the boat, do what their boss says all the time without standing up to what is right.

Do the RIGHT thing that your heart and head says is the right thing! That's integrity. If your leader or boss says "get on the bus" and do as I want with no questioning, it is time to take the #1 Freedom we all have, the ability to LEAVE! Integrity is that important because it something that you have and no one can take away, you are the only one that looks at yourself in the mirror!