Integrity – Notes from Developing the Leader Within
The Most Important Ingredient of Leadership: Integrity
Every leader needs skill. Every leader needs vision. But without one foundational ingredient, everything else collapses.
That ingredient is integrity.
Integrity is simple — my words and my actions match.
It means I am the same person in private that I claim to be in public. No divided loyalties. No pretending. Whole. Undivided. Authentic.
Integrity isn’t primarily about what we do.
It begins with who we are.
And who we are will always determine what we do.
Integrity Makes Hard Choices Easier
Every day we battle between what we want to do and what we ought to do. A person of integrity has already made the decision before temptation even shows up.
Socrates said it powerfully:
“The first key to greatness is to be in reality what we appear to be.”
Leadership demands authenticity. You cannot fake influence — not for long.
Credibility is the backbone of confidence.
When people trust you, they allow you to influence their life.
When trust is weak, influence is weak.
Why Integrity Matters in Leadership
1. Integrity builds trust.
Cavett Robert said,
“If my people understand me, I’ll get their attention.
If my people trust me, I’ll get their action.”
Trust is the currency of leadership — without it, we’re bankrupt.
2. Integrity increases influence.
People follow leaders they believe, not leaders they watch carefully.
3. Integrity raises the standard.
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Leaders must live by a higher standard than followers
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As responsibility rises, personal rights decrease
4. Integrity creates a reputation — not just an image.
Images can be manufactured. Reputations are earned.
Integrity asks three questions:
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Consistency: Am I the same person everywhere I go?
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Choices: Do I do what’s best for others, even when it costs me?
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Credit: Do I give honor to others rather than keeping it for myself?
5. Integrity means I live it before I lead it.
You cannot lead people to a level you are unwilling to live.
6. Integrity makes a leader credible, not just clever.
Talent impresses, but integrity inspires.
7. Integrity is won through discipline.
Not ability — but inner strength.
Not personality — but character.
Integrity comes from self-control, internal conviction, and a commitment to relentless honesty in every situation.
Three Tests to Build a Life of Integrity
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The Mirror Test — Am I true to myself?
Do I like the person I see in private? -
The Mentor Test — Am I true to my authority?
Do I serve faithfully even when unseen? -
The Masses Test — Am I true to those I lead?
Do I treat followers the way I would want to be treated?
Followers consistently want four things from a leader:
Honesty. Competence. Vision. Inspiration.
Integrity is the foundation of all four.
When integrity is strong, leadership is strong.
When integrity cracks, everything else crumbles.
So lead with integrity — quietly, consistently, daily.
Not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.