Our experience has shown that many leaders are good at making announcements but often fall short of following through on their bold proclamations. Talking about what you’re going to do is easy; actually doing it is what builds trust with others. Henry Ford once said, “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” He knew what all trustworthy leaders know: your actions speak much louder than your words.

Walking your talk is the essence of integrity. The word integrity is derived from the Latin integritas or integer. It suggests the heart of the matter—whole, complete, not fragmented. When your behavior aligns with your speech, you are complete, whole, and acting with integrity.

What would your people say about your integrity? Are you a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of leader? If so, you’re eroding trust with your people.

MAKING COMMON SENSE COMMON PRACTICE

Assess yourself across the five Ps of ethical leaders that Ken and Norman Vincent Peale describe in their book The Power of Ethical Management. Where are you strong and where do you need to improve?

• Purpose—Be driven by your purpose and use it to guide your actions.

• Pride—Show a sense of healthy pride. Unlike false pride, which stems from a distorted sense of self-importance, healthy pride springs from a positive self-image and confidence in one’s abilities.

• Patience—Have faith that things will work out well as long as you adhere to your values and principles.

• Persistence—Stay the course and remain true to your purpose and values.

• Perspective—Keep the big picture in mind and understand what’s truly important.