Integrity in Team Leadership

You log in to work, ready for a productive day, but then it happens again... - Promises made, but never kept. - Leaders preaching values, but playing favorites. - Colleagues who smile to your face but take credit behind your back. Integrity: the most over-promised and under-delivered value in the workplace. But what does integrity at work really mean? - Keeping your word, even when it’s inconvenient. - Recognizing others, even when they’re not in the room. - Making decisions based on principles, not politics. Integrity is the backbone of trust. And trust? - Boosts productivity. - Builds strong teams. - Drives long-term success. Without it: - Teams break down. - Respect disappears. - Work becomes just a paycheck, not a purpose. I’ve been there—I know. If you can’t find integrity in your workplace, bring it yourself: - When a project is tough, don’t sugarcoat it. Be honest about the challenges and propose solutions. - If someone steals your work, have an open conversation and set boundaries, making it clear that this behavior is unacceptable. - When you make a promise, keep it. Build trust one action at a time. Why does this matter? - You may not change the entire culture, but you’ll attract like-minded individuals. - You’ll build a network of people who share your values. - And that network will become your greatest asset. I’ve seen this firsthand. Even after leaving toxic workplaces, I remain connected to those rare, trustworthy colleagues who valued honesty and fairness. Today, they’re not just my network—they’re my friends. That’s worth far more than adapting to a toxic culture for short-term gains. So: - Speak up, even when it’s hard. - Stand firm, even when it’s unpopular. - Build relationships that reflect honesty and respect. Because: Integrity might not give you the fastest promotion, but it will give you something better—a reputation no one can take away. And in time, people will connect to your Wi-Fi-level integrity—because it’s the real deal. * * * ➜ Follow for more posts on how to build life on your term and thrive by choosing integrity when others don’t!

Integrity isn’t a soft skill. It’s a performance multiplier. In high-stakes leadership, character doesn’t show up as a speech—it shows up in the day-to-day behaviors that quietly shape culture, trust, and performance. I often share this with the executives I work with --> You don’t have to be perfect—but you do have to be principled. Here’s a simple, human-centered framework I use to guide grounded leadership—especially when the pressure is high... 👉 RISE with Integrity: R – Respect Others 🤝 Leave gossip and judgment behind. Create the kind of environment where people feel safe enough to bring their best. I – Intentional Words 💬 Speak with purpose and care. Clarity doesn’t require harshness—it requires precision. S – Show Accountability 🔍 Own your actions in both light and shadow. The fastest way to build trust is through consistent follow-through. E – Embrace Growth 🌿 No leader is ever “done.” Keep evolving. Stay curious. Make growth your baseline, not just your crisis response. 💡 Integrity isn't a one-time decision—it’s a daily recommitment to how you lead when no one’s watching. #LeadershipDevelopment #IntegrityInLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #ModernLeadership #ConsciousLeadership #HumanCenteredLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #PeakPerformance #OrganizationalPsychology #AppliedPsychology #LeadershipSkills #ValuesBasedLeadership #GrowthMindset #CoachingLeaders #HighPerformanceCulture #LeadershipPresence #TrustAndLeadership #CultureByDesign #CEOCoaching #LeaderAsCoach #LeadershipMaturity #LeadershipWisdom #QuietLeadership #SelfAwareLeadership #IntentionalLeadership

Leadership Starts with Integrity In a world that often screams me first, I always come back to what real leadership actually looks like. It is not titles, not applause, not curated perfection. It’s integrity. It shows up when no one’s watching—and especially when everyone is. It’s in the quiet decisions leaders make behind closed doors. In the way they handle pressure, criticism, and their own mistakes. As a leader, you don’t just represent results—you represent the values you used to achieve the results. Integrity means doing the right thing when it’s hard, not just when it’s easy. Being honest when it might cost you. Taking ownership and action when you'd rather shift blame. Holding the line when everything around you says “just let it slide.” People can sense it. They know when you're genuine. They know when you're accountable. And in a world full of spin, that kind of leadership is rare—and needed more than ever. Integrity isn’t soft. It’s strong. And if you want to lead people well, start by leading yourself—with honesty, humility, and the courage to do what's right. Think of the leaders who have impacted you—the ones you trust, the ones you respect, the ones you would follow into uncertainty. How much of what you admire about them is tied to their integrity? What small shift could you make to lead with greater integrity? #leadershipdevelopment

Do your actions as a leader reflect your expectations? If you want integrity and accountability in your team, you can’t just demand it - you have to live it. Leadership isn’t about what you say... it’s about what your team sees every day. Early in my career, I had a leader who preached accountability but made excuses for missed deadlines. The result? A team that did the same. That experience shaped how I lead today - I make sure my actions align with what I expect from others. When leaders set the right example, the team follows. Concern: Too many leaders expect commitment, innovation, and integrity - but fail to model those behaviors themselves. This creates: → A culture of disengagement, where employees mirror inconsistent leadership. → A lack of accountability, leading to blame-shifting instead of problem-solving. → Resistance to change, because why should teams adapt if leadership doesn’t? When leaders don’t embody their expectations, the result is a workplace where talk outweighs action. Cause: The disconnect between leadership and team behaviors often stems from: → Leaders focusing on results but neglecting the behaviors that drive them. → Lack of feedback loops, preventing leaders from seeing how their actions impact culture. → A leadership style built on authority rather than example. Teams don’t learn accountability from lectures... they learn it from watching their leaders handle challenges. Countermeasure: Building a culture of integrity and accountability starts with intentional leadership. → Set clear expectations - and hold yourself to them first. → Make accountability visible by owning mistakes and celebrating team ownership. → Encourage open feedback, allowing your team to call out gaps between words and actions. → Demonstrate innovation by taking risks, learning openly, and embracing continuous improvement. A team will always reflect its leadership - so lead in a way worth mirroring. Benefits: When leaders model the behaviors they expect, they create: → A culture where accountability and trust replace blame and excuses. → A team that actively seeks solutions rather than waiting for direction. → A work environment where engagement and innovation thrive. Organizations that prioritize authentic leadership see stronger retention, higher productivity, and teams that take ownership of their work. "Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about showing them how it’s done - without saying a word." What’s one behavior you intentionally model for your team? Have you seen leadership inconsistency affect a workplace? How did it impact team culture? Wishing you a focused and rewarding Saturday. #Leadership #Integrity #Accountability #PositiveImpact #TeamCulture

The Role of Integrity in Leadership As I embark on launching a new company with two long-time friends from the health club, spa, and medical wellness industries, I will take on the role of CEO. My goal is to cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in trust and accountability. The leaders we bring on board in the initial months and years will significantly influence how we operate and how we are perceived by our members and the broader community for years to come. Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and adhering to strong moral principles. It encompasses a commitment to ethical standards and consistency in actions, values, methods, and expectations. Furthermore, integrity signifies a sense of wholeness, where individuals or organizations remain true to their values and principles, even amidst challenges. At its essence, integrity is about being authentic and reliable in relationships with others. Integrity is vital in shaping leadership approaches within organizations. Here are several key ways it influences leadership: Building Trust - Leaders who embody integrity cultivate trust among their team members. Trust is fundamental for effective communication, collaboration, and engagement. When employees perceive their leaders as honest and ethical, they are more inclined to support and follow them. Setting an Example - Leaders establish the tone for the organizational culture. By demonstrating integrity, they inspire their teams to embrace similar values, fostering a more ethical workplace where employees feel empowered to act with integrity themselves. Informed Decision-Making - Leaders with integrity are more inclined to make decisions based on ethical considerations rather than immediate gains. This approach often results in sustainable success and enhances the organization’s reputation. Enhancing Employee Morale - When integrity is prioritized by leadership, it creates a positive work environment. Employees feel valued and respected, which boosts morale and job satisfaction, ultimately leading to higher retention rates. Effective Conflict Resolution - Leaders who uphold integrity are better prepared to manage conflicts. They address issues transparently and fairly, which helps resolve disputes constructively and maintains team cohesion. Promoting Long-Term Success -Organizations led by individuals of integrity tend to enjoy long-term success. Their dedication to ethical practices can enhance brand loyalty and foster customer trust, contributing to the organization's sustainability. Fostering Adaptability -Leaders with integrity are often more receptive to feedback and self-reflection. This adaptability promotes continuous improvement and innovation within the organization. In conclusion, integrity is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It shapes how leaders engage with their teams, make decisions, and confront challenges, ultimately influencing the culture and success of the organization. #leadership #culture

Trust is a cornerstone of any successful organization. When there is strong trust, it enables innovation, collaboration, and progress across all levels. Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei highlights this in her TED Talk on building trust, where she explains how trust can propel human and organizational development. Three essential elements for building trust are outlined: 1. Empathy: True empathy requires active listening and full presence when others share their perspectives. Genuine empathy fosters understanding and strengthens bonds within a team. 2. Logic: For others to trust your decisions, your reasoning must be transparent. Present key points first, then back them up with supporting evidence to build credibility and ensure clear communication. 3. Authenticity: Encouraging team members to bring their authentic selves to work can be difficult, especially in environments that prioritize conformity. Leaders must foster an inclusive, safe space where authenticity is celebrated, and people feel valued for who they are. While these pillars are vital, I believe there's another indispensable element: Integrity. As General Counsel, integrity is the foundation of our work. Upholding the rule of law and acting with transparency and honesty are essential in building a culture of trust. "Do the right thing, always" isn't just something we say at Baker Hughes, it's a commitment to ensuring that every action reflects our values. Integrity is more than honesty; it's about care, respect, and good faith. Every team member, client, and stakeholder should trust that decisions are made in their best interest, without personal agendas. In law and business alike, integrity guides behavior. It reinforces trust and helps establish an organizational culture that is honest, resilient, and ethical. To watch the full Ted Talk video follow this link: https://lnkd.in/efgqJvrR #Trust #Leadership #Ethics #Integrity #GeneralCounsel #WeAreBakerHughes

The other day, I caught a small lie at work. It seemed harmless, a minor detail. But it hit me like a ton of bricks. Where did we go wrong in the workplace? Then it struck me: integrity isn't being talked about enough—not in our homes, not in our schools, and certainly not in the workplace. Integrity isn’t just a lofty concept; it’s an essential skill for professionals at every level. Without it, we risk creating a work culture where cutting corners, withholding the truth, and bending the rules become the norm. We spend time developing technical skills, but what about the foundation of character? Integrity should be a core part of professional development. Here’s how we can teach it effectively at work: 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: Integrity must be modeled and reinforced in everyday decisions. 2. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: Leaders should demonstrate transparency, honesty, and trustworthiness. 3. I𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Include integrity as a key skill in employee development programs. 4. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀: Acknowledge and reward honesty, even when it’s difficult. Without integrity, we’re left with a workplace culture where no one knows what’s real—and that’s a dangerous path. If we don’t teach and practice integrity, we’ll have entire teams that can’t be trusted.

How Centered Integrity is the Antidote Leaders Need Now The recent HBR issue is entitled, “A Playbook for Courageous Leadership: Uncertain times call for bold action.” It reflects the stress that current business conditions are placing on leaders. But what is the impetus of that bold action? The qualities for identifying and championing it? Most importantly, as a leader, how do you focus those around you on it? As someone whose coachsulting™ practice is based on values-based leadership, I would argue that the answer is “centered integrity”. Centered integrity is the quiet superpower of senior leadership. It doesn’t trend on earnings calls or headlines or splashy presentations, yet it determines who’s still trusted after the cycle turns. Centered integrity is not perfection. It’s the disciplined habit of aligning decisions with your core principles, especially when no one is watching and when speed would be easier than truth. It’s knowing the difference between being strategic and being slippery. It’s the willingness to say, “Here’s what we know, here’s what we don’t, and here’s what we’ll do next.” Leaders rooted in principled clarity don’t need to prove, defend, or perform. Their life and leadership speak for themselves. Over time, people stop evaluating their statements and start betting on their character. Results still matter, of course, but credibility compounds. You attract talent that wants to build, investors who stay through weather, and teams who volunteer the hard facts early because they trust you’ll meet reality with respect. These results could not be more treasured than now. So how does one access centered integrity? Like most skills and attributes, the best avenue is practice. Here are some ways you can put the concept of centered integrity into action this week: • Name the non-negotiables before the fire drill. Example: “We will never announce a reorg before directly addressing teammates who will be impacted first.” • Tell the unvarnished truth once, clearly, and early. In other words, state the miss, name the root cause, and take accountability. • Choose one meeting to ask, “What risk aren’t we discussing?” Remember, inaction still has consequences, and courage is contagious. • Close with commitments you’re actually willing to be measured on. This reinforces that you can be counted on to speak clearly and act decisively. Power tests power. Character refines it. If you stay true to yourself when it’s hardest, you won’t need a spotlight because the work will illuminate you. And when the dust settles, the leaders left standing are the ones who stood for something. That’s the long game, and it always outperforms shortcuts.

Your real leadership isn’t measured in meetings, promotions, or performance reviews. It’s measured in the quiet moments, when there’s no spotlight, no audience, and no incentive to impress. I’ve seen leaders treat their bosses with the utmost respect, but turn around and belittle their own team. I’ve seen people shake hands in public while tearing others down in private. And here’s what I’ve learned: People may forget your words, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. Character isn’t built in public, it’s revealed in private. Some leaders think leadership is about authority. But the truth is, authority is given, respect is earned. ✔️ How you treat the person with the lowest rank says more than how you treat your boss. ✔️ Leadership isn’t about control, it’s about connection. ✔️ The way you lead when no one’s watching is how people will remember you. Because at the end of the day, people don’t follow titles, they follow trust. Having integrity isn’t optional. You don’t have to be in a leadership position to lead with integrity. You don’t need a title to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. The best leaders, the ones who inspire, uplift, and create real impact, understand that their character is their legacy. Leadership isn’t about standing at the top. It’s about how you show up for the people around you, every single day. Leadership is defined in the small moments. 🚨 If you want to be a great leader, integrity can’t be optional. Agree?

Trust isn’t given freely; it’s earned, especially in leadership. 🌟 Many leaders mistakenly believe that their position automatically commands trust. They’re wrong. Trust is not a luxury—it's a necessity. If you want your team to follow you, to believe in your vision, and to invest in your mission, you must earn their trust through consistent actions and authentic behavior. 💡 Here’s the hard truth: Trust is built through reliability and transparency, not just authority. Leaders who preach values but fail to embody them will soon find their influence eroding. Your team watches every decision you make, every word you say, and every action you take. Trust is not about what you say you’ll do; it’s about what you actually do. To earn trust, start by being open and honest. Admit mistakes and show vulnerability. Be consistent in your actions, and align your behavior with the values you promote. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about fostering a culture of respect, reliability, and mutual support. When trust is earned, it transforms teams. It drives engagement, fosters loyalty, and sparks innovation. Leaders who genuinely care and act with integrity inspire those around them to do the same. Are you focusing on earning trust or just expecting it? Share your thoughts and experiences below! ---------- Hey, I'm Kevin, I am the host of Working Wisdom and The Toxic Leadership Podcast and provide daily posts and insights to help transform organizational culture and leadership. ➡️ Follow for more ♻️ Repost to share with others (or save for later)