Lead with integrity, even when you don’t want to, have to, or need to.
Your example of integrity is the best teacher for those who are watching – and believe me, your followers are watching. They may hear every word of advice you give, but unless they see you living out your own advice it won’t stick.
“Make sure the tongue in your shoes goes the same direction as the tongue in your mouth.” – Ken Whitten
As a leader, your team members seek your approval. Whether it’s intentional or not, they will imitate your actions in an effort to align with your expectations. In my first book, The Leadership GPS, Brian Alden learned from his mentor that “Imitation is preferred when you are following success.”
Your example of integrity is also the best teacher for yourself. Unless you keep the bar of success high; you will never know what you are capable of achieving.
“Remember that the bigger the goal, the stronger a person you must become to achieve that goal.” – Robin Sharma
Brian Alden’s mentor taught him early in life that “The only real failure in life is the failure to try.”
