Leadership Skill: Honesty & Integrity

Actions that back up the words and words that are congruent with the actions. People of integrity and honesty. People we can trust. That's what we look for in our leaders.

It doesn't matter how noble or worthwhile your cause; if you haven't earn people's trust by constantly keeping your word and being true to your values, people won't follow you too far. They may follow you to a point, but when the going gets tough, they'll start to hand back or look around for another leader.

You may tell followers that despite the obstables, the goal is achievable and that you will back them up 100 percent. But it you have failed to back them up in the past (or even if you simply lack a track record of trust and honesty), no one is going to line up to follow you through an uncertain path.

So remember the following leadership skill honesty & integrity points:

People won't follow leaders they think are dishonest.
You can't expect honest followers if you model dishonesty.
The higher you go, the more visible your integrity or lack of it becomes.
"Insignificant" dishonest acts usually beget larger acts of dishonesty.
In times of crisis, adversity, and temptation, a leader's integrity becomes most evident.
Integrity is exhibited in actions, not pronouncements of intention.
Honesty and integrity pay off long-term, though they may involve losses and sacrifiecs short-term.
An organization with an ethical code and system of safeguards can create more consistently honest leaders.
Act as if someone else with more power than you is watching.

To continue, click here: Leadership Skill: Purpose