Integrity
Larry’s Leadership Launch
Some would say that it is a rare thing to find one who stays true to his or her word. With the fast-paced competitive environment that we live in, it appears that keeping your word may be becoming less important to those who lead. While this may be true, I recently experienced something very different.
We have the opportunity to work with a group of executives who lead a division of a large multi-million dollar corporation. With the pressures and constant change in their company, they could have made multiple excuses about not hitting deadlines that are necessary for execution of work. Instead, they communicated to us regularly, they gave us their word that they were working through the process. They were authentic, transparent and honest. Each leader worked to create a partnership with us by keeping us in the loop with consistent meetings and communication.
These leaders are not perfect, and their organization has many things to work on to become a more healthy company. Isn't that true of most of us? These leaders chose to walk with integrity and honesty through a jungle of unpredictability and at times poor leadership from those above them in the organization. Their circumstances did not control their character.
Thank you, my friends, for your leadership and choosing to push this thing through to the finish line with integrity. Choose to be a leader who keeps his or her word and you will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
The importance of integrity for each leader within the Areté organization cannot be overstated—it is the bedrock upon which trust, credibility, and lasting success are built. Integrity consistently aligns people’s actions with ethical values, principles, and commitments, regardless of the circumstances or potential personal gain. This steadfast adherence to a moral code not only sets a powerful example for all members of the organization but also fosters an environment where honesty, transparency, and accountability are valued and practiced at all levels.
Integrity cultivates trust, an indispensable element in the leader-follower dynamic. Employees are far more likely to follow, be loyal to, and perform for a leader they trust—one who walks the talk and whose actions consistently reflect their stated values. This trust extends beyond the internal mechanisms of the organization to influence its reputation with external stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors, who are increasingly prioritizing ethical business practices in their decision-making.
An integrity-driven approach to leadership is essential for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. It involves treating all individuals with respect, valuing diverse perspectives, and ensuring that opportunities for growth and success are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. By embodying integrity, a leader not only champions ethical behavior but also drives the organization toward a more diverse, inclusive, and socially responsible future.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
The Areté Way provides a path for leaders to strengthen their skills to become catalysts for building a robust, trust-filled organizational culture that will empower individuals, sustain ethical practices, and guide Areté toward achieving its organizational goals in a manner that is respectful, fair, and accountable.
Supervisors are instrumental in maintaining high standards and ethical behavior among team members on the front lines of organizational operations. Your role goes beyond overseeing day-to-day tasks; it involves setting a strong example of fairness and honesty. By strengthening your dedication to integrity, you will cultivate a culture of trust and accountability, create a supportive work environment, and motivate employees to adhere to ethical practices, ultimately enhancing productivity and workplace morale.