Tell the truth. Absorb the cost. Move forward.
Doctrine: Courageous leadership isn’t loud—it’s calm under pressure. Integrity isn’t a slogan—it’s a daily choice. When others panic, you remain steady. When it’s uncomfortable, you don’t flinch. Ethical, empathetic, unshakable. That’s how trust is earned.
Discipline: Establish clear ethical guidelines and a safe reporting mechanism for integrity violations. Encourage leaders to have difficult conversations and make unpopular but necessary decisions.
Auditable Standards
Observable
–Does the leader consistently uphold company values, even when it’s inconvenient?
–Are they known for delivering honest feedback, even if it’s negative?
–Do they protect team members who speak up or report issues?
Trainable
Provide training on ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, and delivering difficult feedback with empathy.
Enforcable
Any proven act of dishonesty, cover-up, or retaliation for speaking the truth can lead to immediate termination.