How to promote integrity as a core value in your leadership style

Integrity is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It embodies honesty, trustworthiness and moral integrity, regardless of the short-term financial impact. Leaders who prioritize integrity cultivate a culture of transparency and trust with their teams, laying the foundation for sustainable corporate success.

Many leaders say they want to lead with integrity. But it’s one thing to call yourself an integrity leader, and quite another to actually be one. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 36% of U.S. employees trust that their employer would do the right thing if they raised concerns about ethics and integrity. Leaders who truly want to cultivate integrity as a core value of their leadership style must lead by example, build a culture of accountability, and prioritize open communication. Here’s more on how to do that.

Lead by example

The best way to bring integrity into your leadership style is to consistently model it. “A leader’s actions speak louder than words. Your team always looks to you for guidance on how to behave, especially in difficult situations. Show integrity in every decision, big and small. That includes being honest about mistakes, giving credit where it’s due, and treating everyone with respect,” says Moe Rock, CEO of the Los Angeles Tribune and author of The Moral Compass.

For example, if a project doesn’t meet expectations, acknowledge any shortcomings and work together to find solutions. This openness not only builds trust, but it also shows your team that it’s OK to admit mistakes and learn from them. By modeling integrity, you set a standard for your team, creating a ripple effect throughout the organization. “While a leader’s actions are central to integrity, employees and stakeholders are the ones who evaluate that integrity on a daily basis. While everyone judges a leader’s integrity differently, there is consensus on some of the criteria they use to judge their superiors,” says Kathryn Christie, citing laws, codes of conduct and ethical standards, and informal norms and values ​​expected by stakeholders as some key ways a leader’s integrity is judged.

Build a culture of accountability

“You can’t expect others to act with integrity if you don’t admit your mistakes. To foster a culture of accountability, set clear expectations and hold everyone accountable for their actions, including yourself. That means setting transparent goals, providing regular feedback, and enforcing fair consequences for unethical behavior,” Rock says.

Creating systems that encourage accountability, including real-time performance reviews, peer evaluations and transparent reporting mechanisms, can help maintain high standards. “As a leader, encourage your team to take ownership of their work and be accountable for their actions. When everyone understands they are accountable, it fosters a culture where integrity is valued and upheld,” advises Rock.

Prioritize open communication

Integrity thrives when communication channels are open. Encourage your team to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas without fear of retaliation. This openness fosters trust and allows for early identification and resolution of potential problems. “You need to create a culture where people are not afraid to ask ethical questions, where bad news is welcomed, and where employees who speak up are celebrated,” says Robert Chestnut for the Harvard Business Review.

Interact with your team regularly through meetings, surveys and one-on-one conversations. “It’s not enough to ask employees to report unethical behavior. You must actively listen to their feedback and show that you value their input by making necessary changes. Transparent communication about the company’s goals, challenges and successes further reinforces a culture of integrity. When your team feels heard and informed, they are more likely to act honestly and with integrity,” says Rock.

Emphasize ethical decision-making

Incorporate ethical considerations into your decision-making processes. This means looking beyond what is most profitable or convenient and focusing on what is right and fair. “When faced with difficult decisions, which will be the case in a leadership position, weigh the potential impact on everyone involved, including employees, customers and the community. Work with your leadership team to develop a code of ethics that outlines expected standards of behavior. Make sure these policies are clearly communicated and integrated into training programs. When you openly prioritize ethics, you signal to your team that integrity is non-negotiable,” says Rock.

Integrity is the foundation of effective leadership and business success. Without integrity, leaders and their organizations put themselves at risk for litigation, public retaliation, and declining profits. Incorporating integrity into your leadership practices will bring lasting benefits to your team and your organization.