Leadership Principles: Integrity
What comes to mind when you think about integrity? There are so many quotes and ideas around the idea of integrity. I believe that of all the traits and characteristics a leaders could have, integrity is the most important one.
Most of us know the story of the Titanic. This majestic cruise liner that was deemed to be unsinkable. Even if you don’t know all the details you’d be far pressed to find someone who hadn’t at least heard of her and her maiden voyage that ended in disaster. Years ago I heard a story that the ultimate cause of the ship sinking as quickly as it did was that Harland and Wolff, the builders, opted for cheaper rivets. Many historians believe the ship probably would have still sunk given the nature of the accident but that had the rivets been better the hull may have held up a little better causing the ship to sink slower allowing more lives to be saved (and maybe the old lady doesn’t throw the necklace into the ocean - sorry, I digress). This crucial shortcut changed the integrity of the hull and of the ship itself.
I’ve found myself in similar situations many times in my life. I don’t mean on a sinking cruise ship in frigid waters but that I’ve been in tough situations where what’s holding me together, the rivets, are being tested. I’ve come to understand that the rivets of life is what truly defines our integrity. What I mean is, while integrity is a big deal and crucial, it’s the little things in life and leadership that define it.
For me, the things that are the “rivets” in my life are my faith, my family, and my people. What makes them integrity items for me is how I choose to press into them. Especially during trying times. I think we can all agree that these things are all good things but when my talk and my walk don’t line up, my integrity is now in question. When I take short cuts or attempt to skimp on my faith, my family, or my people it cheapens and weakens it. It requires a constant investment in these things to ensure they are at their strongest when there’s an iceberg ahead. After all, your integrity is revealed through the icy waters of life.
What about you? What are the little things, the rivets, that make up the integrity of who you are? These are the things that hold us together and make us who we are. In good times and in tough times.