Consistent character builds trust, respect, and lasting leadership.
In a world full of noise, charisma, and fast wins, real influence still begins with something much quieter: integrity.
Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or trying to make a difference in your community, your ability to influence others comes down to this: Do people trust you? And that trust is built, or broken, by the integrity you demonstrate consistently over time.
Integrity is Being the Same Person Everywhere
At its core, integrity is doing what you say you’ll do and being the same person in public and in private. It’s not just about making “good” decisions. It’s about making consistent ones that align with your values, even when no one’s watching.
When people know who you are, what you stand for, and that you don’t shift based on pressure or audience, they feel safe. That safety becomes trust. And trust unlocks influence.
Influence Follows Character, Not Just Competence
I’ve gained influence over the years not just because of my leadership skills, but because of my consistency as a person. People saw I didn’t change based on circumstances, and that built credibility.
On the other hand, I’ve watched leaders lose trust—and their positions—because they failed to guard their integrity. I once had a manager who acted one way behind closed doors and another in front of clients. He once asked me to lie to a customer to cover a mistake. I refused. Surprisingly, he later thanked me. That moment helped him realize he wasn’t living according to his own values. It was a turning point for him and a reminder for me of how critical integrity is for long-term influence.
How to Build Integrity Into Your Leadership
Influence doesn’t start in a conference room. It starts in your core.
- Clarify your values: Know what you believe in before the pressure hits.
- Be consistent: Show up the same way, every day, in every room.
- Decide in advance: Choose how you’ll respond to ethical dilemmas before they happen.
Leading with integrity takes intentionality. But over time, it creates the kind of influence that lasts and that people want to follow.
Until next time, make today GREAT!
P.S. If you’re ready to deepen your leadership impact, visit www.mcclurecoaching.com/free-strategy-session to apply for a free call where we’ll discuss how coaching can help you and your leaders grow from the inside out so you’ll be more effective.