We all follow leaders. Somewhere there is someone you look to for direction, guidance, and encouragement. When we hear “leader” we often think of it in terms of business – the manager.  While the manager is certainly in a position to exhibit leadership, there are those who are not managers who are also looked to for direction, guidance, and encouragement.  Those that are sought out leaders all possess one trait that allows them to stand out from others – integrity.

“It is true that integrity alone won’t make you a leader, but without it you will never be one.” – Zig Ziglar

By integrity I mean they can be relied upon to direct, guide, and encourage you to success. If you want to be a true leader with what should you do?  People most often imitate what they see and not what they are told.  Here are three simple messages that will build integrity: Do what you say. Do it first. Do it well.

Do what you say. Leaders set expectations for their teams.  A leader with integrity meets the same expectations themselves.  This applies to all things small and large – the daily activity to the year-end goals all matter.

“Your words and deeds must match if you expect people to trust in your leadership.” – Kevin Kruse

Do it first.“I am right behind you,” is not a phrase that is often heard from leaders with integrity.  These leaders don’t say “go” they say, “let’s go”.

“A Leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”– John Maxwell

Do it well.If you want to be a leader that people follow, you have to lead them to success. Leaders with integrity demonstrate this by being successful themselves.

“You can’t lead if you don’t produce.”– Mark Cole