Reinvigorate your leadership practice in 2023 with this philosophy.

If we dissect the root cause of interpersonal conflict, we find it’s nothing revolutionary. It is often about an absence of integrity. To me, integrity is the amalgamation of honesty and respect. If this is seemingly rudimentary… good! It won’t be easy to forget. Are you truthful on a daily basis? Do you respect your peers? If you answered “yes” to these two questions, you are well on your way to leading with integrity. But if we are being completely honest with ourselves, odds are there’s room for improvement.

According to Mindy Mackenzie there’s a truth telling crisis in corporate America. All too often individuals are concerned about the consequences of the truth and lack the courage to tell it. (Fostering inclusive climates support truth telling!)

It’s unlikely that managers set out to lead with an absence of integrity, but when there are tight deadlines, process conflict, personality clashes, and the like, managers are poised to become stressed. Unfortunately, stressed managers may stretch the truth to superiors in the name of saving face and may also fall into the pit of credit theft. A integritous leader would not do either of these things.

But, if you aren’t investing in your personal development (by reading this blog) who will help keep you accountable? Work to create a network of people you respect, are respectable, and can help guide you in the best of -- and most challenging -- times. It's never too early to establish this. 

What’s beautiful about truth-telling is it’s cyclical. When a leader has a fierce team of honest confidants, they are less likely to become ego-maniacs. Similarly, when the developing manager encourages his or her team to tell the truth, regardless of whether they will like the feedback, they perpetuate the truth serum culture.

It’s when you lose the drive to be honest that we compromise ourselves and pave the path for a false reality – one where truth is non-existent. Have you ever been afraid to tell the truth, fearing disapproval, belittlement, or conflict? It’s up to you to ensure this is not the reality for your team.

In 2023, guide your decision-making and communication as a manager through the lens of honesty and respect. It won’t go unnoticed.