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Have you ever felt tempted to bend the rules or exploit a loophole to achieve your goals? If you’re human, you’ve likely encountered this dilemma in business. When the “rules of the game” seem unreasonable or poorly suited to your situation, it’s easy to justify breaking them—especially when what you want, and perhaps even deserve, is at stake.

This scenario played out recently for one of my clients, a leader overseeing a team of more than 25. The foundation of their work together is Integrity, and she coaches her team that Without Integrity, Nothing Works. Her role involves holding her team accountable to high performance standards, but a personal challenge forced her to confront her own relationship with integrity.

Faced with a looming deadline that she realized she couldn’t meet, my client saw a way to cut corners and bypass the system to avoid losing her annual bonus—a significant amount of money. She knew she could likely get away with it, as no one else would ever know. But the decision was not so simple.

Sleepless nights and guilt-ridden days led her to confront a deeper question: “Who am I when no one is watching?”

In an authentic conversation with me, her coach, she began to unravel the times throughout her life where she justified bending the rules by telling herself her lack of integrity didn’t hurt anyone. When rules seemed unfair or inconvenient, she found ways around them. But this time, it felt different.

Integrity as a Commitment Beyond Self

What weighed on her was the knowledge that “Without integrity, nothing works.” Her team looked to her as a person of integrity, and their trust in her was at the heart of their success. Her commitment to her team gave her a new sense of accountability—one that extended beyond her personal gain.

In the past, when her focus was simply on surviving, winning, or “getting by,” breaking the rules seemed insignificant. But now, with 25+ leaders depending on her to uphold the values she preached, the stakes were far greater than any financial bonus.

Further reflection revealed the cumulative toll of her past decisions to force outcomes in her favor. Each time she bent the rules, she diminished her own sense of accomplishment and undermined her belief in herself as a genuine leader.

The Ripple Effect of Integrity

As her coach, I assured her that the impact of her decisions reaches far beyond her immediate circumstances. The ripple effect of not being true to who you say you are can immeasurably limit the potential of your leadership. Integrity, or the lack of it, influences not only your own success but also the trust and possibilities available to those you lead.

Ultimately, my client chose to act with integrity. She communicated openly about missing the deadline, despite the uncertainty of whether her bonus would be awarded. While the outcome of her bonus remains unresolved, her decision brought her peace of mind, restored her sense of self-respect, and allowed her to walk into the office with renewed confidence and freedom as a leader.

The Takeaway

Leadership isn’t just about results; it’s about how those results are achieved. Self-observation and accountability are the cornerstones of integrity in leadership. When you align your actions with your values, you create the possibility for authentic success—both for yourself and for those you lead.

Who are you when no one is watching? The answer to that question defines your leadership and your legacy.

 

THE PATH TO LEADERSHIP AWAITS. ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?

At Leaders Team, we blend our disruptive expertise and mentoring to transform challenges into victories, paving the way for groundbreaking success. Our history of reinventing businesses across North America and Europe, including partnerships with organizations like Canada Brokerlink, Whirlpool, U.S. Air Force, and Hallmark Luxury Care Homes showcases our commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations.

Dive into a world where limitations are dismantled, and breakthrough results await. Whether you’re seeking to reshape your company’s culture, empower your team, or achieve unprecedented business outcomes, we’re here to guide you through every step.

Connect with us for a journey of transformation and empowerment. Reach out at general@leadersteam.com or schedule your complimentary consultation here. Together, let’s create a lasting impact and steer your organization towards a future filled with success and fulfillment. Visit our website to learn more about our services.