Structural integrity

I often get compliments and positive feedback. These come through social media posts, webinar chat box, or live in-person engagements. I am incredibly grateful for the encouragement. Strangely enough, what I consider the highest compliment received did not come after my presentation but before it.

The senior executive of a top company in a very high ethical industry bought me lunch. After small talks, the main meal, and during coffee and desserts, he suddenly turned solemn and stared at me with a severe look. I thought I must have done him wrong. He says, “Francis, let me give this to you straight. As per our company requirements, we need to bid our training requirements to at least three vendors; yours is the most expensive of all the proposals. I had to fight for you for the project.” I replied, “Oh, that is so gracious of you, and thank you for awarding me this project.” But he wasn’t finished. He says, “Let me explain to you why. We need a training program that centers on Values, Ethics, and Integrity. You have a track record on these, and you have built credibility over the years. We are in the banking industry. We vet our vendors and check and know about your business and personal background. We cannot take the risk of somebody without a track record of ethical performance teaching our people values and ethics, which is why we awarded the contract to you.”

I am unsure whether it was the excellent food or the dessert I took, but I returned to my office feeling so much joy and relief. Joy because the training program was awarded to my company. Relief because to be regarded as trustworthy under their rigorous checking and to pass the test is a compliment. I was relieved that all those years of doing the right things and refusing to do the easy wrong are paying off today.

Integrity is on the page of many companies’ corporate values webpage. What is integrity? When a structure is well-built, and during an earthquake, the word pops up often in terms of “structural integrity.” In this context, we may surmise that the word integrity refers to the ability to be intact in the face of a crisis. Applied to a person, the question we can ask is, can the leader withstand the crisis with integrity intact? Many leaders have folded in this area, and it does when a crisis happens. In reality, normal times rarely test the leader’s integrity, but crises do. It is worse that no one can see or foresee the problem until the storm hits.

Leaders should be wary of the pitfalls and mine traps that sabotage the leader’s effectiveness. Here are the signs:

1. Ego and pride

It’s all about the leader. They have to be the hero of every story and accomplishment. This type of leader is unwilling to be corrected. Admission of wrong or mistake of this type is a sign of weakness. And when a mistake is committed, the only words they have learned to say are not the three words. “I am sorry.” But the words, “It’s your fault.”

2. Hoarding and hiding information

This leader’s sphere or space carries a heavy atmosphere of mistrust. They demand to be cc’d in all of the people’s emails, yet they are unwilling to share vital information that can help the people achieve more and perform better. This leader views information as a tool or a weapon that can be leveraged or used against others.

3. Unpredictable

They say something and do something else, are not consistent in making good commitments, and do not deliver on their promises. This kind of leader will bend with every change in public opinion.

4. Constant compromise

The leader cut corners. Violate rules. They cover their favorites’ mistakes and always find good reasons to do wrong things.

On the other hand, leaders with integrity exhibit the following:

1. Do what is right, not what is convenient

Every time the leader compromises, the character is weakened, leading to a lesser ability to withstand future shocks and pressures. They are willing to do the harder right than the easy wrong.

2. They seek wise counsel from trustworthy people

Wise leaders know we all have blind spots and are willing to accept correction and warnings from experienced and wise people.

3. Honest and transparent

Honest with themselves and others, they honor their commitments (sometimes even to their loss) and make good on their promises.

4. Continue to seek personal growth and improvement

In their growth, they know they have more to offer the people, and they know good leaders serve as examples for people to follow.

The next time pressure comes, do we have the “STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY” to withstand stresses and temptations? I hope we all do. Then be awarded a project or a contract because of it.

(Level Up Leadership 2.0 online last run for this year will happen this Oct. 25- 27. For inquiries and reservations, contact April at +63928-559-1798 or and for more information, visit www.levelupleadership.ph)