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Model Integrity
November 8th, 2012
by Bill Boyajian

Leaders model integrity from the inside out. Integrity is defined as “uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” I like the way Steven Covey said it in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: “Integrity is, fundamentally, the value we place on ourselves. It’s our ability to make and keep commitments to ourselves, to ‘walk our talk.’ It’s honor with self.” Clearly, the best way to show integrity is to model it. It’s also the best way to instill it in others.

When you think of someone with integrity, who comes to mind? Abraham Lincoln? Mahatma Gandhi? Mother Teresa? What does history tell us about these people? What did they have in common? They were moral people who lived out principles of leadership that put them at the top of their class. They thought more about others than themselves. They kept their promises. They lived what they believed. Their lives were a demonstration of noble ideals without needing the trappings of success or the perks given to other famous people. Their integrity could weather all storms because their greatness was not embodied in themselves, but in what they did for humanity.

People with integrity never deliberately withhold information that can reveal truth. Your integrity builds credibility and is the result of the trust and confidence people have in you. If you lack it, or lose it, your leadership will suffer. If we lose our credibility, we lose our ability to influence. If we lose our ability to influence, we lose our leadership



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Managing Partner,
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
Birmingham, AL

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Leitzel Fine Jewelry
Hershey & Myerstown, PA

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Kizer-Cummings Jewelers
Lawrence, KS