When I was a young Store Manager with Walgreens, my District Manager once told me that integrity in leadership is crucial to earning the respect and trust of your team. Leadership without integrity struggles to maintain its foundation.
“Don’t ever do anything that causes someone to question your integrity. If you lead and manage people long enough, I promise you a situation will arise when it’s all you have to rely on,” he said.
That moment stuck with me, and time has proven it true. On more than one occasion in my career, I’ve had to depend solely on my word. And mistakes? I’ve made plenty (and still do). But in the end, it’s our character that people remember when it comes to integrity in leadership.
Integrity: It’s the bedrock of trust
Without it, leadership crumbles. There’s a popular quote attributed to C.S. Lewis: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
While often repeated, Colonel Eric Kail offers a deeper take: “That definition relies too much on habit. I can be without integrity, yet trained to behave predictably in a certain manner.”
In other words, our intentions matter for true integrity in leadership to exist.
Are we guided by values we truly believe in—or just following someone else’s rules?
With that in mind, I challenge you to lead more authentically by putting these five practices into action:
- Start with yourself.
Don’t wait for others to model integrity. Be the example. - Keep your promises.
If you can’t deliver, don’t commit. Try, “I’ll do my best to have it done by Friday,” instead of empty guarantees. - Communicate with honesty and transparency.
Clear, direct conversations, especially tough ones, build lasting respect and integrity in leadership. - Give credit freely.
Praise your team when things go well. When they don’t, take responsibility. Leadership owns the outcomes. - Choose your circle wisely.
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Surround yourself with people who challenge you to lead better.
What commitments will you make to lead with greater integrity? More importantly, how will you help instill that same value in those you serve?
If there’s anything I can do to support you on your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help, if an when you need me.
“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty.” — Zig Ziglar
You may reprint this post in your own print or electronic newsletter, but please include the following: “Reprinted with permission from the Lead Empowered Blog: For a free subscription, go to http://www.LeadEmpowered.com. Copyright 2025 Nathan R Mitchell – Lead Empowered.”
Looking to increase your self-awareness and have a better understanding of your leadership behaviors and tendencies? Try the FREE 5 Voices Assessment.
Share Your Field Notes: Add to the Journey!