The Importance of Integrity & Strong Values in Leadership

I happened to spend an entire career in the private club sector of high-end hospitality. What began as a 14-year-old after-school job evolved into serving Presidents, Heads of State, Sheiks, Shahs, Senators, Foreign Ambassadors, and a despot or two on occasion. Not that I had much choice, as serving in the military as an Officer’s Club Manager (among other duties) meant that I served those who were present at whatever club or embassy event it required.

The first time I ever heard the infamous quote from the 1920s-50s comedian about not being a member of a club that would accept him made a lot of sense when considering some of my members. In my courier work (part of the same Air Force specialty code; club management, protocol office, or general’s aid), that least bothered me, as “shut up and drive” were some of my best days back then.

In the high-stakes game of leadership in any sector of business, whether for or not for profit, FBO, NGO, or a Benefit Foundation, it is integrity and solid values that are about as indispensable as a good punchline at a Marx Brothers dinner party. Leaders without a sturdy set of principles often find themselves tangled in a web of conflicting decisions and compromised integrity— much like a cat trying to navigate a room full of rocking chairs.

The Perils of Fluid Values

Some leaders approach values like a chameleon at a costume party, changing their principles to fit every situation and audience. This might seem like a clever strategy to keep everyone happy and avoid ruffling any feathers, but it usually leads to a lack of trust and respect faster than you can say “contradiction.” When values are as negotiable as the price of a used car, decision-making becomes a chaotic dance of confusion. Followers end up wondering where their leader stands—probably somewhere between “maybe” and “I’m not sure.”

 “These are my principles, and if you don’t like them…well, I have others” is a quote from one of the many quips uttered by Groucho Marx. The appeal of fluid values is their ability to make everyone feel included, like a buffet where everyone can find something they like. However, this approach turns leadership into a lukewarm soup of inconsistency. A leader who constantly shifts their principles sacrifices the stability and clarity that effective leadership demands. Without a clear set of values, leaders become like weathervanes in a hurricane, spinning wildly in every direction, often at the expense of ethical considerations. And after working in this world so long, I can attest to more than a few handfuls who are like dandelion wisps in an easterly breeze.

The Role of Strong Values in Decision-Making

On the flip side, leaders with strong, well-defined values are like sturdy lighthouses guiding ships through stormy seas. These leaders inspire confidence and loyalty because their followers know exactly what they stand for—no surprises, no guesswork. Strong values act as a guiding light, helping leaders navigate complex and challenging scenarios with integrity and consistency.

Not to go all serious on you, but take time to consider the following statement that well sums up how man and integrity should be one in the same:

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
– Theodore Roosevelt, excerpt Citizenship in a Republic (1910)

Our man “Teddy” knew what it meant to say what you mean and mean what you say.

When faced with tough choices, leaders with a solid moral foundation can lean on their principles to find the right path. This clarity cuts through ambiguity like a hot knife through butter, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. Moreover, leaders who stick to their values, even when it’s as inconvenient as a pebble in your shoe, earn the respect and admiration of their followers. They demonstrate courage and authenticity—qualities that are as essential to leadership as a good joke is to Groucho Marx.

Integrity: The Cornerstone of Leadership

Integrity is without doubt the cornerstone of effective leadership—like the secret ingredient in a recipe for success. Nothing can substitute for it. It’s the quality that binds a leader’s actions to their values, ensuring they act with honesty and consistency. Leaders with integrity don’t waver in the face of adversity; they stand firm on their principles, providing a model of ethical behavior for others to follow.

Groucho’s witty observation points out a critical flaw in some leaders: the absence of a steadfast commitment to their values. Leaders who are willing to abandon their principles for convenience or approval lack the integrity needed to lead effectively. Integrity involves making tough decisions that may not always win a popularity contest but are rooted in a strong ethical foundation.

The Legacy of Values-Driven Leadership

Values-driven leadership leaves a legacy that extends beyond the immediate decisions of a leader. It shapes the culture and ethical framework of the entire organization. Leaders who prioritize integrity and strong values set a standard for others to emulate, creating an environment of trust, respect, and accountability.

Historical examples abound of leaders whose legacy is like a beacon for the world due to their unwavering commitment to their values. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. are celebrated not only for their achievements but for the integrity and moral courage that defined their leadership. Their steadfast adherence to their principles, even in the face of immense challenges, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of values in leadership.

Leadership without integrity and strong values is like a comedy act without punchlines—fundamentally flawed and lacking impact. While fluid values might seem appealing for their ability to avoid conflict and keep everyone happy, they ultimately lead to inconsistency and a lack of trust. True leadership requires a steadfast commitment to ethical principles, providing a clear and consistent guide for decision-making.

Leaders who embody integrity and strong values inspire confidence, foster trust, and create a lasting impact on their organizations and society. As Groucho Marx’s quip suggests, leaders must choose their principles wisely and stand by them, for it is through this unwavering commitment that they earn the respect and loyalty of their followers.

And remember, in the words of Groucho, “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” Choose your principles and stick to them, because integrity is the club you definitely want to be a part of.