Some things in life truly are all or nothing, and integrity is clearly one of them.
You can’t be a ‘little bit’ honest.
Morality isn’t a fad.
A lifetime of studying and practicing leadership has taught me that integrity is the greatest filter of all leaders.
Anyone can be honest and true in a moment, for a day, a duration, a stint, but integrity is the sum of all our decisions and actions. Integrity is our resume’.
You can hold many leadership positions…
You can obtain numerous degrees…
You can have a tremendous list of references…
But in the end your integrity will separate your ability to lead from others.
I love that the word “integrity” has the word “gritty” kinda built in there, because it takes courage and resolve to consistently make decisions and actions with intention and morality.
Living an authentic life is paramount to maintaining your credibility as a leader, serving others, and leaving a lasting impact. Authenticity is the glue that holds leadership together; without it a leader falls apart.
If you assembled all of the people you know, together in one room, would they describe the same person? Authenticity isn’t about being perfect, but it has everything to do with trust, integrity, and loyalty. Living an authentic life is paramount to maintaining your credibility as a leader and leaving a lasting impact on others. We trust and admire those who live authentic lives. Leaders are people who live by a set of core values regardless of the circumstances, and regardless who is around.
Do you act the same way regardless of who is around? Or are you a different person to different people? As a teacher and coach I have observed that student athletes often act differently depending on who is watching them. The same holds true for many of the fellow employees I have worked alongside over the years. Even within some families we see behavior changes, and issues of integrity based on who is around at the time. I have had many discussions with teachers and coaches that describe very different observations of the same student, athlete, or colleague.
Authenticity is about who you say you are, who people say you are, and who you really are. Tell me what you truly value and I’ll tell you what kind of person you will become.
Authenticity is the glue that holds leadership together. Without it a leader falls apart. Nothing will weaken your impact more, or destroy your accomplishments faster than a breach of trust or a lapse in your integrity.
Every conversation, decision and action adds to your integrity or subtracts from it.
Make the next best decision.
Live authentically.
~Kelly
Kelly Croy is an author, speaker, and educator. Want to learn more? Send an email. • Sign-up for Kelly’s Newsletter. Listen to Kelly’s other podcast The Wired Educator Podcast with over 208 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Order Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader a book on personal and professional leadership, and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook. • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter. • Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram
