Leaders with integrity are what we all dream about whether in business or in politics. I am not saying all leaders do not possess this quality - but throughout the world it is sadly lacking. Leaders with integrity possess their own brand of wisdom, ingenuity, perceptiveness, fairness, and fierce loyalty to their organisations, and those they lead. Consider the following:

When leaders with integrity make a promise they keep it. We can rely on them and know they will keep their word.

When they speak they do so openly and with total transparency. They speak direct and to the point.

Leaders with integrity do not expect others to conform to their way of thinking because blind conformity (“yes men”) has many downsides. It removes any form of creativity and individuality. Being an “intelligent non-conformist” is not disobedience or disrespect for authority. It is about taking responsibility and using your right to make personal decisions while accepting you will be held accountable. Intelligence here is what makes the difference. There is a logical and factual explanation for the decision and the course of action taken. I stress there is responsibility and accountability.

Leaders have an open door policy and are prepared to listen to the opinions of others. A leader makes all subordinates “feel safe” in expressing opinions. Followers of such a leader do not fear the leader and certainly do not feel they have to be “yes men” in order to protect their jobs. As a result, the followers want to give more and to give of their best at all times. This is the quality of a leader that separates high performance from a minimum acceptable standard.

Lack of authenticity in a leader carries a very heavy price. Leadership is difficult work and it is easy for the leader to stray and lose sight of the objectives. This is due to the pressure of today’s competitive environment, where certain knowledge needs to be protected or where certain news, such as possible retrenchments, could lead to the loss of key employees to competitors.

The authentic leader, despite continually doing her best, must be continually on guard and continually looking over her shoulder. Office politics will have an impact on such a leader. She cannot trust that others will be genuine in their dealings. She realises that others may still want to betray her despite her personal efforts to do her best.

The authentic leader, the leader of integrity must at all time remain “true to self”. To be an authentic leader of integrity you need to:

• Live your values every day
• Keep your promises
• Be truthful and do not pretend
• Speak openly, transparently and with self confidence
• Be consistent in everything you do
• Make others aware of where you come from and what you are about. Share your values, dreams and aspirations with others
• When you deviate from your chosen course – reconnect with your values and passions as quickly as possible
• Beware of and consider your conduct when things go wrong. Stay in control
• Be self reliant. Make your decisions based on your personal values and standards.
• Do not worry about what others think. Be consistent

This article has been adapted from Bruna Martinuzzi's new book, “The Leader as a Mensch; Become the kind of person others want to follow.”

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