Leading with Integrity
By: Jennifer Franko, Coach & Account Manager, Renogize Professional Coaching
“Integrity is the trait on which all leadership rests. If you do not practice integrity, you are not a
leader—because no one will be following you.”
- Sean Olson, Co-Founder & CEO, Renogize Professional Coaching
At the heart of effective leadership lies integrity—and it is serious business.
Integrity in leadership means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It means being honest, transparent, and consistent. It’s aligning actions with words, making decisions guided by values rather than convenience, admitting mistakes when they happen, and taking responsibility when things go wrong.
A leader who practices integrity sets the standard for their team, creating an environment where trust and respect can thrive and a culture where others feel safe to contribute and grow.
Without integrity, the foundation of leadership crumbles, leaving no one to follow. When leaders lack integrity, promises are broken, trust is lost, credibility quickly erodes, respect diminishes, and team morale suffers. People won’t follow a leader who is inconsistent, deceptive, or self-serving—a leader who prioritizes personal gain over collective good or whose actions betray their words. Ultimately, leaders who lack integrity are left standing alone.
To lead effectively, a leader must practice integrity consistently, as it is the cornerstone of trust, influence, and lasting impact. Practicing integrity consistently fosters loyalty and unity, enabling teams to achieve great things together.
Sean’s words above remind us integrity is the foundation upon which all other leadership qualities are built. It’s what separates true leaders from mere authority figures.
Be the leader your people need—one who practices integrity with unwavering commitment.
Can you honestly say you practice integrity as a leader? What shifts or changes do you need to make to practice integrity in your leadership every day?
