“It is true that integrity alone won’t make you a leader, but without integrity, you will never be one” – Zig Ziglar
Integrity is essential for a leader, because people will not willingly follow someone they simply cannot trust. And trust is built when you consistently act according to your beliefs. You are surrounded by people who are affected by your actions. Whether that be family, friends, team members, or even your neighbors, your choices you make impact them on a daily basis. If you are not living a genuine life with them, it will ultimately damage the relationships that you need to build a successful life.
If you look at culture, it may appear that people who are not necessarily living a life of integrity are just living a life filled with blessing and abundance. So why should you, who is wanting to do the right thing even when nobody’s looking, should be any different? This could make it easy to believe that integrity doesn’t really pay off. That seems to be the message our culture is thriving on! Why do things the hard way when you can just take advantage of people and get whatever you want much quicker? – especially when so many people seem to succeed through shortcuts and dishonesty? It’s tempting to believe that you can or should be doing the same. After all, everyone wants to get to the top, so why not take the fastest route to get there?
Here is the reality: The fastest way to the top won’t keep you there. People who fall short on their internal character inevitably fall. It’s just a matter of when! And when they do, it’s always a long drop back to the bottom – and a much steeper climb the second time around. If you want to get to the top and stay there, the key ingredient is integrity. Yes, it takes time, and it often feels like an unnoticed effort, but be patient. Integrity always pays off in the end.
I love this quote from Douglas Adams: “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”
Your integrity is the foundation for long lasting achievement. If you build it, success and significance will come. And you’ll be able to enjoy them for life!