There is a lot written about the importance of Integrity in leadership. It’s one of those things that is simple to say and very hard to do. OK when the going is easy but when leaders start to face “conflicting pressures” from various stakeholders, such as shareholders, boards, employees, customers, regulators, and the broader community things can get very messy.

Senior leaders frequently deal with the tension between short-term results (like quarterly earnings) and long-term sustainability (like company reputation and employee well-being). A leader with integrity will in theory make decisions that prioritize long-term values over short-term gains, ensuring that the business remains on a stable and responsible path.

It takes a very tough leader to do this though, and it can only be done if you have been clear about your values with your stakeholders from day one. How do you manage the often-competing interests, such as the desire for higher profits by shareholders and the need for employee welfare or environmental sustainability?

If leaders are really going to behave with integrity, then they cannot prioritise one group unfairly at the expense of another. They have to aim for fairness, openly communicating decisions and being accountable for the outcomes.

Faced with situations where there may not be a clear right or wrong answer, and every option has its challenges, leaders with integrity have to hold on to their core values when making decisions, even in ambiguous situations.  Do you, for example, take a risk on compliance to satisfy an important customer?

If as a leader, you find yourself in a conflicted situation then integrity gives you a clearer path through the pressures. What it will not give you is protection from aggrieved staff and shareholders. The pressures may increase but if you have been open and honest with all parties then you should be able to navigate them and build a sustainable organisation based on trust and accountability.

Talk to us at www.defyexpectations.co.uk if you want to transform your business.