Most people, when asked, equate integrity with honesty. Honesty means … well we all know what honesty means. But most of us struggle to define integrity. It’s not just operating from a position of high moral character and being truthful. Integrity comes from the Latin word integer meaning whole, or complete. But what does it mean to have integrity?

John Maxwell, author of several leadership books, offers this broad definition, “Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, people over things, service over power, discipline over impulse, commitment over convenience, and the long view over the immediate”.

Let’s take a look at each one of the key phrases in Maxwell’s statement:

• “Character over personal gain”

Character builds the trust required to gain support from employees, suppliers and customers alike, and to build strong and sustainable organizations. If your climb to the top of the corporate ladder is built on personal gain alone, then you will have not developed any trust within the organization. Instead you may have built a culture where everyone is looking simply for what is in it for them. Who, then, is working in the best service of the customer? Ask yourself if you’re doing the right thing, not just what feels good.

• “People over things”

Businesses are run by people, and by all the people in them. Customers buy from people. People provide service and support to clients. Focus on the needs of your people to ensure you have a highly motivated and empowered workforce. This must take a higher priority than fancy buildings, furniture, and the accumulation of objects. Your people will learn that they can rely on you.

• “Service over power”

Leaders must place a high priority on helping their people be more productive. This includes providing clear direction, allocating resources, assisting in problem solving, giving advice and counsel, and breaking down barriers. This way they will be serving their employees and their organizations and building loyal and highly effective teams. By contrast, a leader who operates only by exerting control over people communicates their selfish desires clearly. That trust will be vital when challenging the organization to new goals or to meet unexpected changes.

• “Discipline over impulse”

Occasionally opportunities present themselves that would offer an immediate gain. In order to benefit from an opportunity, a disciplined leader must determine whether they will have to compromise any values, risk any relationships, or break any trust. That discipline keeps the leader and the organization on an even keel.

• “Commitment over convenience”

Commitment requires a relentless pursuit of your mission every day and in every decision you make. Leaders must do what they say and demonstrate that they intend to successfully execute their goals over time. This is a constant and persistent process of communicating and planning and executing. Keeping the organization on its course.

• “The long view over the immediate”

Sometimes the easy path might appear more convenient and with more immediate gratification. If it takes the organization away from its vision the long term impact of that decision is very costly. Leading with integrity means that you evaluate every decision or course of action for consistency with the vision and direction of the company.

Focus on integrity first, and on its true meaning of wholeness and completeness, then you can build an organization where honesty and trust are never taken for granted. Better yet, you will create a sustainable profitable enterprise that can withstand and endure the many challenges it will face.

Barron’s, financial weekly magazine, defines integrity as “The quality characterized by honesty, reliability, and fairness, developed in a relationship over time. Customers and clients have much more confidence when dealing with a business when they can rely on the representations made.”


Patrick Smyth is a leadership navigator and advisor to leaders of high growth and emerging businesses. He creates compelling visions and comprehensive strategic plans, and coaches on effective leadership and management practices. He is a recognized speaker, trainer, coach, and international business strategist and author of the book Elephant Walk: Balancing Business Performance and Brand Strategy for the Long Haul.
http://www.innovationhabitude.com