Brandon W. Jones

Yesterday I asked the question, “What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘Leadership Excellence’”?  I then explained three of the characteristics of leaders that have obtained leadership excellence.  The way I am dividing characteristics from values is that characteristics are the things that you do whereas, the values are beliefs that you have that lead you to act a specific way.  In this post I am going to talk about three key values of leaders that have obtained leadership excellence. Those three values are honesty, accountability, and integrity.  Any leader that does not possess these three characteristics will never be a great leader.

Honesty

Honesty is of the utmost importance in leaders that have obtained leadership excellence.  The honesty I am describing is the honesty that is 100% truthful no matter what the cost.  When leaders are willing to bend the truth, even the slightest bit, to make themselves look good they may be successful for a time, but eventually it will catch up with them.  Honesty is very easy when there is no fear of looking bad or when it is regarding things of little importance, but when something is on the line honesty can be more of a challenge.  By being honest all the time, you will never have to look over your shoulder for fear of being caught in a lie.  Honesty is one of the most important values of leaders with leadership excellence.

Accountability

When I think of accountability, I think of the saying from President Harry S. Truman of “The buck stops here.”  When it comes to accountability, leaders with leadership excellence take full responsibility for their own actions, as well as, their followers.  Accountable leaders are willing to make commitments and be responsible for their actions.  There are many leaders willing to pass the buck when it comes to responsibility, but the leaders that have truly obtained leadership excellence understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions through the good times, as well as, the bad.

Integrity

The dictionary at www.dictionary.com defines integrity as, “adherence to moral and ethical principles.”  When I think of integrity I think of individuals who do what they say they are going to do and don’t make promises that they can’t keep.  Integrity encompasses both honesty and accountability, but it is even more.  Integrity also includes dependability.  A leader with integrity is very dependable, and they will be there when you need them.  They lead by example, and they have a strong set of moral and ethical principles that they follow.  The leaders with integrity are not afraid to stand up for what is right even if it is not the most popular choice.  They are also not afraid to let people know what guiding principles they follow. 

In today’s world, it is becoming harder and harder to find leaders that have truly obtained leadership excellence.  The values of honesty, accountability, and integrity, will help you as you strive to become a great leader.  These values must be a part of who you are in all you do.  People will respect you and look up to you as your further develop in these values.  The values will help you to reach the career goals that you have set for yourself.

What are some other values you have seen in leaders with leadership excellence?