Integrity is one of the fourteen Marine Corps leadership traits. What exactly is integrity?
Noah Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language, defines integrity as:
The entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty. integrity comprehends the whole moral character, but has a special reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfers of property, and agencies for others.1
Bentonite Soil
In my book, The Furnace of Leadership Development, I described a common soil found in Northern Colorado called bentonite. This clay-like material has created immense problems for developers, builders, and homeowners throughout the years. If the construction company ignores the issues with the bentonite, then the soil shifts, leading to cracked foundations, broken concrete, and other structural issues.
“Likewise, leadership is built upon the rock-solid foundation of integrity. Anything less is unacceptable2.”
A Chronic Problem
One of the rampant and chronic problems facing our world today is a lack of integrity. This crisis exists in our homes, places of work, businesses and corporations, non-profits, churches, and at ALL levels of government. The problem also permeates mass media and social media.
Look in the Mirror!
Walk to the closest mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and ask, “Do I have a solid foundation of integrity in my life?” Before we can lead anyone else, we must first lead ourselves. If the person in the mirror lacks integrity, then I guarantee there is a hindrance to leadership because of that character flaw. Furthermore, people are smart enough to know if their leader is a person of integrity.
Strengthen the Foundation
We can always strengthen our foundation of integrity. Have the moral courage to stand for what is right, do not give in to peer or political pressure, and set the example for those you lead.
1 Websters Dictionary 1828 – Webster’s Dictionary 1828 – Integrity
2Rick Davis, The Furnace of Leadership Development, (Loveland, CO: Java House Publishing, 2019), 9
