We make decisions every single day. Some of them are big ones that might take some reflection before making them. Other times, our decisions are made without much thought. Then there are those decisions that involve a choice between right and wrong. When you are a leader, you may be faced with these decisions more than once. In front of your team, or company, it can be easy to make the right decision. It’s the decisions we make when we are alone that determine who you are as a leader. It is those decisions that determine your leadership integrity.
[tweetthis]“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” ― C.S. Lewis[/tweetthis]
I was on my way to a restaurant for a lunch meeting. As I drove into the parking lot, I noticed a huge accident. A driver veered off the on ramp and his car rolled down the hill onto the parking lot and into another car. There were people around the cars and both drivers were sitting on the hill. They looked shaken and clearly in pain. I hesitated for a moment and wondered if I should stop.
“They are taken care of”, I told myself.
So I drove off and headed to my meeting. I noticed cop cars heading to the destination of the crash site moments later. That night, I was telling my husband the story. My oldest son asked me, “Did you stop?” His question surprised me. I explained the reason why I didn’t stop and he coached me, “You should have still stopped to see if they were O.K.”.
He was right. I should have stopped. Maybe I wasn’t needed, but I still could have taken the time to try. I learned a lesson that day. Your actions and daily decisions determine who you become. Whether you are making these decisions alone, or in front of your team. Leadership integrity is not always shown in public.
“Every decision you make, from what you eat to what you do with your time tonight, turns you into who you are.” – Chris Hadfield
It is the decisions you make when no one is looking that determine your leadership integrity. Who are you when no one is watching? Those are your defining moments. Those moments when the only reward is choosing to do something for no other reason than to prove to yourself that you can do it. Or, for the simple reason that it is the right thing to do.
“Extraordinary leaders do extraordinary things not because they seek the glory for themselves, but because they seek glory for their team.” – Elita Torres
Who do you know that shows exceptional leadership integrity when no one is looking?